“By the River,” painted by John Singer Sargent in 1888, is an exquisite oil on canvas artwork that exemplifies the Impressionism art movement. Measuring 78.74 x 63.5 cm, this genre painting captures a serene moment beside a river.
The artwork artfully depicts a tranquil riverside scene featuring two individuals in repose. One figure, seated in a boat, appears leisurely while adorned in light attire accentuated by soft, flowing strokes. The other figure, positioned against a tree, is dressed in a mint-green top and free-flowing white skirt, engaging with the boat’s occupant. Lush greenery and a gentle play of light and shadow are masterfully rendered, giving an impression of dappled sunlight filtering through the foliage. In the background, additional figures add depth and context to the scene, subtly integrating into the natural environment. The overall composition is rich with the hallmark techniques of Impressionism, focusing on light and everyday moments captured with broad, expressive brushwork.
