The artwork, titled “Venetian Water Carriers,” was created by John Singer Sargent between 1880 and 1882. Rendered in oil on canvas, it belongs to the Realism art movement and is classified as a genre painting. The dimensions of the artwork are 64.45 x 70.94 cm.
“Venetian Water Carriers” presents a scene in which two women are fetching water from a well in Venice. One woman, positioned to the left, is seen carrying a container and is draped in a dark shawl, which contrasts with the white fabric of her attire. Her body is partially turned away from the viewer, indicating motion. The other woman is positioned near the well, drawing water with a rope, her full attention focused on the task. The background portrays the rustic, aged walls and worn cobblestones characteristic of Venice, indicating the passage of time. The overall composition is marked by a harmonious blend of light and shadow, with a realistic portrayal of the everyday lives of Venetian water carriers.
