From: Dan Clarke  

Dcl a rke@ita.lacity.org

Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 

This work was done 1912 in Granada, Spain.   It shows simply the relief of the Escutcheon (breastplate) of the family of Charles V of Spain, and is considered one of their most celebrated watercolors by Sargent. 

Every review I've read describes it as "brilliant" and an exceptional work in watercolor architectural painting.   I think it's the greatest watercolor rendered by Sargent.  The use of warm yellows and ochre's coupled with lavender blue shadow work make it a truly dynamic piece of art. Sargent has taken a simple piece of relief and turned it into a spiritually compelling work of art.