"En route pour la pêche (Setting Out to Fish)" is an oil painting by American artist John Singer Sargent. It was painted in 1878. The painting is large, measuring 31.5 inches by 39.5 inches. The scene is set in Cancale, a fishing village in Brittany, France. The painting depicts a group of fishermen and women preparing to set out to sea for the day's work. The figures are shown in the foreground of the painting, with the sea and sky in the background. The figures are dressed in traditional Breton clothing, including wooden shoes and white bonnets. The women are shown carrying baskets, while the men carry fishing nets and other equipment. The figures are painted in a realistic style, with attention to detail in their clothing and faces. The sea and sky are painted in a more impressionistic style, with loose brushstrokes and a focus on the changing light and color of the scene. The painting uses a muted color palette, with shades of blue, gray, and white dominating the scene. The painting is signed by the artist in the lower right corner. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
John Singer Sargent used a technique known as alla prima in creating "En route pour la pêche (Setting Out to Fish)". This technique, which means "at first attempt" in Italian, involves applying wet paint onto wet paint instead of waiting for each layer to dry. This allows the artist to blend colors directly on the canvas, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. Sargent was known for his ability to capture the effects of light and color with this technique, often using bold, loose brushstrokes to create a sense of movement and life. He would often start with a thin underpainting, using a limited palette of colors to establish the overall composition and tonal values. He would then build up the painting with thicker layers of paint, using a variety of brush sizes to create different textures and effects. Sargent was also known for his ability to suggest detail rather than meticulously render it, often leaving areas of the canvas bare or loosely painted to suggest the play of light and shadow. This technique, combined with his keen observation of his subjects, allowed him to create paintings that were both realistic and impressionistic, capturing the essence of a scene or person with a few well-placed brushstrokes. Despite the apparent spontaneity of his technique, Sargent was a meticulous craftsman, often spending hours on a single painting, adjusting and refining his brushstrokes until he was satisfied with the result. His use of the alla prima technique in "En route pour la pêche (Setting Out to Fish)" is a perfect example of his skill and mastery, capturing the light, color, and movement of the scene with a sense of immediacy and vitality that is characteristic of his work.
John Singer Sargent, an American artist, painted "En route pour la pêche (Setting Out to Fish)" in 1878 during his time in France. This was a period when Sargent was heavily influenced by French Impressionism, a popular art movement of the time. Impressionism was characterized by the use of light and color to capture the essence of a scene, rather than focusing on precise details. Sargent's painting reflects this style, with its loose brushwork and emphasis on the effects of light on the water and the figures. The painting depicts a group of fishermen setting out for their day's work, a common scene in the coastal towns of France. The choice of subject matter reflects the Impressionist interest in everyday life and the world of work, rather than grand historical or mythological themes. The painting also shows Sargent's skill in capturing the movement and energy of the scene, with the figures straining against the ropes and the boat seeming to sway with the waves. This was a time of great change in the art world, with artists breaking away from traditional styles and techniques to explore new ways of seeing and representing the world. Sargent was part of this movement, and his work reflects the innovative spirit of the time. The painting was created shortly after the Franco-Prussian War, a conflict that had a profound impact on France and its people. The war led to the collapse of the Second French Empire and the establishment of the Third Republic. This period of upheaval and change is reflected in the art of the time, with artists like Sargent seeking to capture the realities of life in a rapidly changing world. Despite the turmoil of the period, Sargent's painting conveys a sense of tranquility and harmony, with the fishermen calmly going about their work against the backdrop of the serene sea. This contrast between the peaceful scene and the turbulent times in which it was created adds a layer of complexity to the painting, making it a fascinating example of Sargent's work and the art of the Impressionist era.
"En route pour la pêche (Setting Out to Fish)" by John Singer Sargent is a remarkable piece of art that showcases the artist's mastery of light, color, and composition. The painting, created in 1878, is a vivid depiction of a group of fishermen setting out for their daily work. Sargent's use of light is particularly noteworthy in this artwork. He skillfully captures the early morning light, creating a sense of time and place that is both realistic and evocative. The light also highlights the fishermen and their boat, drawing the viewer's attention to the central figures of the painting. Sargent's use of color is equally impressive. He uses a range of hues to create a vibrant, lively scene. The blues of the sea and sky contrast with the warm tones of the fishermen's clothing and the boat, creating a visually appealing composition. The artist's skillful use of color also adds depth and dimension to the painting, making the scene appear three-dimensional. The composition of the painting is also noteworthy. Sargent arranges the figures and elements in the painting in a way that guides the viewer's eye across the canvas. The fishermen and their boat are positioned in the foreground, while the sea and sky stretch out in the background. This arrangement creates a sense of depth and perspective, making the scene appear more realistic. The painting also captures the daily life and work of the fishermen, providing a glimpse into their world. Sargent's attention to detail, from the fishermen's clothing to the equipment on the boat, adds to the realism of the painting. Overall, "En route pour la pêche (Setting Out to Fish)" is a testament to Sargent's skill and talent as an artist. His mastery of light, color, and composition, combined with his ability to capture the essence of a scene, make this painting a standout piece in his body of work.
