“San Vigilio, Lake Garda,” created in 1913 by John Singer Sargent, is an oil painting on canvas from the Impressionism movement. This artwork, measuring 72.08 x 183.84 cm, is a cityscape portrayal, revealing Sargent’s detailed and evocative approach to his subject matter.
The artwork depicts a tranquil waterfront scene at Lake Garda. The foreground displays a rugged stone pier, bathed in warm sunlight and casting reflections onto the shimmering water below. The water, rendered in varying hues of blues and greens, captures light and movement with impressionistic brush strokes. In the background, shaded buildings stand with architectural grace, their façades partly obscured by shadows, adding depth and mystery to the scene. The inclusion of small boats resting idly against the pier and silhouetted figures engaging in quiet conversation evoke a sense of serene everyday life. Through his adept use of light and color, Sargent captures both the tangible beauty and the atmospheric charm of San Vigilio.
