At age 28 John Singer Sargent took a five month trip through Spain and northern Africa. El Jaleo is an instant in the sights and sounds of this trip. The broad meaning of jaleo is ruckus. It is also the name of the Andalusian dance of this vivid scene. El Jaleo was painted from sketches done in 1879 in southern Spain and is considered the most memorable painting of this trip.  It is now in the collection of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Gardener and Sargent met a few years after he created this painting and they became close friends. It took her 30 years to obtain El Jaleo for her lovely museum. This museum is a delightful destination for any time you might spend in Boston.

There is so much to notice in this work. Sargent has invited us into this flamenco space of movement, sight and sound. You can almost hear the up-tempo guitars, the hands clapping and heels stomping out an intricate code as a dancer with veil flying and skirt billowing casts an elegant pose and accompanying shadow in a ruckus of light and darkness. This predominately neutral scene is lit as if by footlights at the bottom of the work causing the dancer’s profile, arms, and skirt to glow. Sargent painted this realism quickly to portray movement and used layers of paint as a first in his career.

This is a work of passion and appreciation for the Spanish culture. It is a symbol of art’s power to expand and join our understanding of God’s world and its people.  Our trips across oceans or across streets can be forums for realizing, applauding, and supporting diversity of all kinds. May we have eyes to see, hearts to hold and words to give thanks for all humans can be and do with their gifts from God. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church