Gathering Blossoms, Valdemosa (Primary Title)
Girls Gathering Blossoms, Valdemosa, Majorca (Alternate Title)
John Singer Sargent, American (born Italy), 1856 - 1925 (Artist)
This lyrical painting may be the finest work to come from Sargent’s two-month stay in Valldemossa on the Spanish island of Majorca. However, its title misidentifies the activity of the scene. The so-called blossoms were probably figs fallen from the limbs above. The tree is recognizable by the shape as well as the brilliant yellow of its leaves, their color during the months of Sargent’s autumn visit. Sargent’s composition may have been influenced by his mural commission for the Boston Public Library, The Triumph of Religion (1890–1919), one panel of which features fig leaves. The painting’s high vantage point effectively subverts the two figures to the dramatic overgrowth of fig tree roots, while Sargent’s deft handling essentially mimics the fertility of the natural environment.
Estate stamp on verso, covered by relining: JSS (circled)
Donated by James W. McGlothlin as part of the James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Collection of American Art
"Sargent and Spain", National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, October 2, 2022 - January 2, 2023; Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Legion of Honor, February 11 - May 14, 2023
"John Singer Sargent," Michael Altman Fine Art & Advisory Services, New York (October 24 - December 6, 2013) no. 24.
"American Art from the McGlothlin Collection" Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (1 May - 18 July 2010).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
"Sargent Exhibition in Japan," Isetan Museum of Art, Tokyo (January 26 - February 23, 1989); The Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art, Yamaguchi (March 2 - April 2, 1989); The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, Kumamoto (April 8 - May 7, 1989); The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga (May 13 - June 11, 1989) no. 48.
"John Singer Sargent," Michael Altman Fine Art & Advisory Services, New York (October 24 - December 6, 2013) no. 24.
"American Art from the McGlothlin Collection" Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (1 May - 18 July 2010).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
"Sargent Exhibition in Japan," Isetan Museum of Art, Tokyo (January 26 - February 23, 1989); The Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art, Yamaguchi (March 2 - April 2, 1989); The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, Kumamoto (April 8 - May 7, 1989); The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga (May 13 - June 11, 1989) no. 48.
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
