Santa Maria della Salute 1906

John Singer Sargent made this painting of Santa Maria della Salute in oil paint, using a series of rapid brushstrokes. It's like he's capturing the essence of the building rather than a detailed portrait. What I find interesting about this piece is the way Sargent handles light and shadow. Look at the columns – the paint is thick, almost sculptural, creating a real sense of depth and texture. The contrast between the sunlit areas and the dark recesses is so well done; it gives the building a monumental presence. Then there's that dark doorway, looming like a void, full of mystery. It's as if the building is breathing, expanding and contracting with the play of light. Sargent's quick, confident brushwork reminds me of Manet. Both artists shared an interest in capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, prioritizing immediacy and impression over detail. This painting is more than just a depiction of a building, it’s about how we see and experience the world.