Swans in the Water 1880 - 1900

John Singer Sargent made this pencil sketch called 'Swans in the Water'. Sargent, an American expatriate artist, was known for his portraits of the wealthy elite during the Gilded Age but he also created many intimate, informal sketches. The sketch is an interesting reflection of identity in this period. The swan, often associated with grace and purity, floats serenely, seemingly undisturbed. Sargent gives us a glimpse into a privileged world, a world of leisure and beauty. This piece offers a counterpoint to his commissioned portraits, allowing us to see his artistic process. Sargent's swans exist in their own world, untouched by the social and political upheavals of the time. This drawing invites us to consider the role of beauty and privilege in a changing world. It's a quiet, reflective piece, and perhaps it also reveals something of Sargent's own position as an artist moving between different social spheres.