The artwork titled “Simplon Pass. The Tease,” created by John Singer Sargent in 1911, is a notable piece executed in watercolor on paper. This artwork, measuring 40 by 52.4 centimeters, is a representative work of the Realism art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. Presently, it is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
In this artwork, Sargent skillfully captures two women reclining in a verdant landscape, engaging in what appears to be an intimate and light-hearted conversation. The figures are dressed in delicate white and pastel garments, with one holding a parasol that casts a gentle shadow over both women. The vibrant, lush greenery surrounds them, rendered with dynamic and expressive brushstrokes. The use of watercolor allows for a soft, luminous quality that enhances the tranquil and poignant moment shared by the figures. The artist’s attention to the interplay of light and color, combined with the detailed rendering of the subjects’ attire and expressions, embodies the essence of Realism while showcasing Sargent’s mastery of watercolor as a medium.