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During
his
stay in France in the summer of 1918, Sargent travelled all over the
Picardy
and Artois regions. In Arras, he painted the ruins of the cathedral and
collapsed houses like this one. A shell has burst through the wall,
revealing
an old horse-drawn carriage. The floor has fallen on top of part of it
with planks of wood left hanging in mid-air. With his skill and rapid
execution,Sargent
has captured the scene in watercolours without seeking additional
detail
for extra pathos. The Scottish soldiers resting nearby are perfectly
indifferent
to these ruins, having grown accustomed to seeing them.
Notes:
Exhibitions John Singer Sargent, An Exhibition -- Whitney Museum, NY & The Art Institute of Chicago 1986-1987
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