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.