William Sartain, Algerian Water Carrier, after 1874, oil on canvas, 22 x 15 in. (55.9 x 38.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William T. Evans, 1911.5.1
Free to use
Copied
Artwork Details
- Title
- Algerian Water Carrier
- Artist
- Date
- after 1874
- Location
- Dimensions
- 22 x 15 in. (55.9 x 38.2 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of William T. Evans
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- oil on canvas
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Cityscape — street
- Figure male — full length
- Occupation — domestic — water carrier
- Algerian
- Cityscape — Algeria
- Object Number
- 1911.5.1
Artwork Description
William Sartain lived in Algiers for several months in 1874. He immersed himself in Arab culture, eating the food, studying the language, exploring the countryside, and even wearing native clothing. His sketches of the countryside, architecture, and local people became the basis for many images he painted later in America. This piece shows an alleyway with a man carrying a jug of water and a large bowl. The painting is typical of Sartain’s work, which showed intimate scenes of everyday life rather than dramatic monuments or panoramas.
