“A Game of Bowls, Ightham Mote, Kent,” an artwork by John Singer Sargent, was created in 1889 using oil on canvas. This piece, which falls under the Realism art movement, is a genre painting with dimensions of 142.9 by 229.2 cm. The artwork is presently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a serene and quaint scene set in the verdant garden of Ightham Mote, a historic manor in Kent. The composition showcases a group of individuals engaged in a game of bowls, a pastime that provides a glimpse into the leisurely pursuits of the time. The figures, dressed in period attire, stand out against the lush greenery and meticulously trimmed hedges that dominate the foreground. In the background, two large trees extend towards the sky, with the architectural elements of the manor and additional buildings subtly integrated into the landscape. The atmospheric lighting casts a gentle glow over the scene, emphasizing the tranquility and picturesque quality of the setting. Through meticulous attention to detail and a harmonious color palette, Sargent captures a moment of leisure and social interaction in the late 19th century.