John Singer Sargent, View of a Southern City, ca. 1868-70. Metropolitan.

by Matthew Raley

I was looking at a survey of John Singer Sargent's work last night and was reminded of how compelling this painting is. This piece has it all: atmosphere, fascinating color, light effects, compositional interest, and psychological tension. I particularly love the informal placement of the girls, as if we've blundered into some game they were playing.