St. Martin's Summer 1888

John Singer Sargent painted ‘St. Martin's Summer’ in oils to depict two women reclining in a boat. The Impressionistic style and the leisure activity reflect the changing social norms of the late 19th century. Sargent was an American artist, but he spent much of his life in Europe, where he studied the works of the Old Masters and the Impressionists. Here, the artist captures a moment of relaxation, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, among the upper class. Such scenes mirrored a broader cultural interest in outdoor leisure and the changing roles of women in society. By studying letters and diaries from the time, we can learn about these women's lives and the social expectations they faced. Paintings like this offer a glimpse into the private lives of the wealthy, inviting us to reflect on the social structures that shaped their world.