Viterbo,Copy of rondel-Sargent’s Ceiling in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts 

Elihu Vedder created this watercolor and gouache work, "Viterbo, Copy of rondel-Sargent’s Ceiling in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts," referencing John Singer Sargent's ceiling medallions. Vedder's choice of watercolor and gouache, humble materials compared to the grandeur of Sargent’s original oil paintings, speaks volumes. It shifts our focus from the high-society portraiture Sargent was known for to a more accessible, craft-oriented approach. The texture is matte, and the colors muted, almost like frescoes. The medium allows for layering and blending, creating a sense of depth and luminosity despite the limited palette. The application of gold leaf hints at luxury, but also emphasizes the handmade quality of the piece. This contrast between high and low, grandeur and intimacy, is key. It is a copy of a copy, a representation of a grand ceiling brought down to a more domestic, relatable scale. It invites us to consider the value we place on materials and techniques, and how they influence our perception of art.