Padre Sebastiano c. 1904 - 1906

John Singer Sargent created Padre Sebastiano with oil paints and brushstrokes that capture both the character of the sitter and the feel of his surroundings. Sargent used traditional art materials, yet his loose, expressive style challenges academic painting conventions. Note how Sargent's direct application of paint mimics the casualness of the scene, rendering the textures of the Padre's room and clothing with an immediacy that almost feels like a snapshot. His brushwork captures the light on the figure’s face, and the folds in his clothing. The artist’s choices give the artwork a sense of vibrancy. Sargent's bravura technique is about skill and intention. Sargent's attention to the material realities of the Padre’s workspace transforms what could be a simple portrait into a statement about work, labor, and the everyday circumstances of life. Recognizing the value of making and materiality in art allows us to appreciate the skill and intention behind it.