“The Sargent Watercolor Fetches $7 Million at Auction”
**The Resurgence of John Singer Sargent: A New Auction Record for a Watercolor Masterpiece**
In a notable evening at Christie’s during New York’s fall auction week, a watercolor by John Singer Sargent made waves by setting a new auction record for the artist’s works on paper. The sale of “Gondolier’s Siesta” (1902-03) attracted significant attention, selling for $7.2 million, including fees, and displaying that there remains a robust interest in Sargent’s exceptional artistry.
**Auction Highlights and Market Dynamics**
This auction, labeled a success, showcased some anticipated high-profile pieces, including a vibrant Rothko painting and a Matisse work requested by MoMA. However, the Sargent watercolor, Lot 19, introduced a refreshing twist, highlighting collectors’ willingness to engage with notable works beyond the blockbuster canvas. Eminent art advisor Ray Waterhouse represented a private collector at the event, willing to back the watercolor with a $4 million guarantee, although this was declined as the consignors were confident in its potential success.
**The Watercolor’s Provenance and Appeal**
The piece stemmed from the collection of Montclair Art Museum patrons Carol and Terry Wall and had remained out of the public market, pegged previously at a similar valuation privately. Its impeccable condition, provenance, and Sargent’s enduring influence fueled its desirability. Christie’s Head of American Art Tylee Abbott emphasized its exceptional depiction of a tranquil moment in Sargent’s cherished Venice, combining architectural mastery with vibrant reflections on water.
**A Renaissance for Sargent’s Art**
This sale is part of a larger resurgence for Sargent, whose masterpieces are reemerging in the public consciousness during the centenary commemorations of his birth. Once perceived as catering largely to the elite, Sargent’s work is now celebrated for its modern techniques and broader appeal. Biographer Paul Fisher highlighted the watercolor’s exceptional portrayal of repose and its divergence from other depictions of gondoliers.
**The Uncommon Gem Among Sargent’s Legacy**
Despite his prolific output across Europe and the United States, “Gondolier’s Siesta” stands out due to its intimate perspective and rare representation at auction, underscoring the distinctiveness of this piece in Sargent’s oeuvre. As Sargent continues to be rediscovered by contemporary audiences and institutions alike, this auction affirms the lasting impact and vibrant market interest in his work—ensuring his place among the giants of art history.
This moment at Christie’s underscores both the thriving admiration for Sargent’s art and the broader resilience of the art market in recognizing and valuing true artistic brilliance.