John Singer Sargent’s White Ships, on display at the Brooklyn Museum, is a masterpiece of watercolor painting. Created in 1908 and measuring 34.4 x 48.6 cm, the painting employs translucent watercolors with touches of opaque gouache and wax resist over a graphite underdrawing. The limited orange and teal palette used captures the delicate yet vibrant Impressionistic style that Sargent was known for.
Sargent was a celebrated society portraitist of his time but also had an intense interest in capturing everyday life scenes in his travels around Europe and beyond. His fascination with Spain led him to create several works inspired by his travels there, including the stunning El Jaleo and Head of a Capri Girl.
White Ships showcases Sargent’s ability to capture fleeting moments with bold brushstrokes and is considered one of his best maritime paintings. He produced over 2,000 watercolors throughout his career, making this piece part of an impressive body of work that is still admired today.
