Bay of Uri, Brunnen (1870) by John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent’s ‘Bay of Uri, Brunnen’ captures the serene beauty of Switzerland’s Lake Uri with a masterful blend of light and texture. The painting glows with soft reflections on the water, where distant mountains dissolve into hazy blues and greens. A lone boat drifts near the shore, its presence adding a quiet sense of movement to the otherwise still scene. Sargent’s loose brushstrokes give the impression of a fleeting moment, as if the landscape might shift with the next breeze. There’s something almost musical in the way the colors harmonize—deep emerald shadows against pale gold sunlight.

Painted during Sargent’s travels through Europe, this work reveals his fascination with natural light and atmospheric effects. Unlike his more formal portraits, here he embraces spontaneity, letting the water and sky merge in fluid strokes. The composition feels alive, as though the viewer is standing at the lake’s edge, feeling the cool air. It’s a glimpse into the artist’s private world, where nature isn’t just observed but deeply felt. The painting doesn’t shout for attention; instead, it whispers, drawing you closer to its quiet, luminous depths.