23/06/2025
For those who know John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) the celebrated portraitist of Belle Époque high society, his Moroccan period may come as a revelation. During his travels through Spain and North Africa in 1879–80, Sargent immersed himself in the architecture, textures, and atmospheres of the region—producing some of the most experimental and luminous works of his early career.
Currently on view at ‘Sargent and Paris’ at the through August 3rd, here are a few highlights from his North African studies that blend aestheticism, fantasy, and fleeting light.
1️⃣ Fumée d’Ambre Gris (Smoke of Ambergris), 1880, Oil on canvas
A veiled Moroccan woman perfumes herself with incense of rare ambergris. Painted in Sargent’s Paris studio after a two-month stay in Tangier, this white-on-white composition captivated critics at the 1880 Salon with its mystery and beauty.
2️⃣ Moorish Buildings in Sunlight, 1879–80, Oil on wood
Sunlight dances across the vernacular architecture of Tétouan. Sargent was fascinated by the interplay of light, shadow, and Islamic ornament—note the glowing surfaces, horseshoe arches, and fading whitewashed walls.
3️⃣ Alhambra, Patio de los Arrayanes, 1879, Oil on canvas
A sun-soaked, plein-air study of the Court of the Myrtles at the Alhambra in Granada. Here, Sargent forgoes intricate detail to capture shimmering reflections and architectural grandeur with loose, expressive brushwork.
From incense-filled interiors to marble courtyards and sunlit tiles, Sargent’s works from this period pulse with a sensual, dreamlike energy—rooted in observation, but filtered through his unique artistic lens.
Let me know if you visit the exhibition and what you think!
