JOHN SINGER SARGENT

John Singer Sargent's observations of everyday life were without anecdote. The Washerwomen captures the essential forms but without detail. Figures are defined by the direction and gesture of quick brushstrokes, rendering a translucent quality.

Family devotion is reflected as Sargent frequently includes family members as subjects.

The Washerwomen comes from his sister Emily's collection. She is thought to be a figure in this work. The freshness of oils with quick application demonstrates Sargent's masterly confidence in creating the most difficult works with the simplest of strokes.