This is our third in a series of discussions of the work of American artist, John Singer Sargent. Let’s travel now with 21 year old Sargent to the coast of Brittany where he immortalized this scene for us in 1877. The village of Cancale and this shore are on the west bay of Le Mont-Saint-Michel. This is his first small sketch of this place. He also painted the similar more detailed and larger The Oyster Gatherers of Cancale the next year. This work represents a significant step in his development as an artist. He was no longer thought of as only a portrait painter.

This Impressionistic piece was first purchased for $200 by an artist 24 years Sargent’s senior as a standard to emulate. It is currently in the Museum of Fine Art in Boston. The second painting is in the collection of the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington DC.

And what a joy this work is!  Here Sargent pulls us into his imagination and the adventure of painting a scene like this. He communicated here at a sensory level taking us to the sights and even sounds and smells of this place. You can almost feel his being unable to resist this capture as he painted quickly before the light or gatherers changed too much. In this subtle palette of beige and blue he found a way to show us the light, the reflections, the sparkle and dazzle of a routine task in an exceptional place. The very atmosphere casts a silvery hue as the foreground and background blend in both realism and emotion telling us the story of the gatherers preparation and anticipation of the steps before them. I adore the little boy dealing with his pant legs!

May we follow John Singer Sargent this week noticing the scenes of our days. We can follow our faith also as we make noticing the sky, the people, the tone and light and shadow of our every moment a spiritual practice. We might  imagine how Sargent would claim our view and save the impression for the generations or maybe even try a quick sketch as our own drawn prayer steeped in courage and gratitude!

May we give thanks to God for omnipresent beauty and the creativity it inspires.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church