John Singer Sargent was a prolific American painter, well-known for his depictions of high society figures in Paris, London, and New York. His painting “Spanish Fountain,” completed in 1912 with watercolor and graphite on white wove paper, is one of his most famous works.
The painting measures 21 x 13 3/4 inches and is displayed at the Fitzwilliam Museum (University of Cambridge), Cambridge, UK. The warm-toned piece depicts a centuries-old tradition updated by the artist’s use of vibrant Impressionistic brushstrokes and untraditional compositional solutions.
Sargent produced around 900 oil paintings, over 2,000 watercolors and even more sketches and preliminary studies in his career. The painting was purchased through the Joseph Pulitzer Bequest in 1915.
Overall, “Spanish Fountain” showcases Sargent’s exceptional abilities as both a painter and draftsman. The artwork offers an intimate insight into the artist’s mastery of capturing realistic scenes while incorporating innovative techniques unique to his style.