A Waterfall

"A Waterfall" from John Singer Sargent’s Splendid Mountain Sketchbook exemplifies his early mastery of landscape painting, created when he was just fourteen during a summer trip to the Swiss Bernese Alps. This oil sketch captures the dynamic movement and vivid atmosphere of a cascading waterfall, demonstrating his developing talent on paper rather than traditional canvas. Sargent’s use of lively brushstrokes and tonal variation hints at Impressionism, conveying the vitality and grandeur of the alpine scenery. The painting offers a glimpse into his youthful artistic exploration amid the breathtaking mountains.