Rio di Santa Maria Formosa, Venice by John Singer Sargent

This bold impressionist style work fits perfectly into the painter’s perspective research. It wonderfully illustrates the original approach of Sargent John Singer during his outdoor painting sessions in Venice. The watercolor titled “Rio di Santa Maria Formosa, Venice” offers a unique and dynamic viewpoint over a canal. This innovative composition bears witness to the creative genius of the artist who breaks free from classical rules to offer an immersive and lively vision of the city.

The viewpoint is situated at water level, under the massive arch of a white stone bridge that majestically frames the rest of the composition. In the foreground, the slender bow of a gondola covered with a blue-gray fabric dominates the space with strength. Through the arched opening of the bridge, the gaze plunges along a lively canal where another moored boat and buildings with light facades can be seen. The canal water presents shades of green, brown, and gray, capturing the moving reflections of the architecture. The direct sunlight strikes the top of the bridge and the facades, creating striking contrasts.

The creator’s mastery of watercolor is fully expressed in the precision of the drawing and the fluidity of the touches of color. He manages to restore the sensation of water movement and the impression of dazzling light with incomparable economy of means and technical virtuosity.