In Bay of Uri, Brunnen, John Singer Sargent encapsulates a moment of atmospheric beauty. Using watercolor, gouache, and graphite, the artist depicts a placid scene portraying a snowcapped mountain range along the banks of the crystal-blue bay Uri in Brunnen, Switzerland. Sargent's use of cool analogous colors, ranging from icy blue to forest green, conveys a sense of peace and tranquility. The still surface of the water reflects a mirror image of the tree-lined ridges. In the distance looks to be a sailboat and person paddling a kayak. The minuscule boats give us an understanding of the immense size and elevation of the mountains, revealing the vastness of the landscape.
In the pale skies, we can see distant overcast high above the terrain. The inscription placed in the lower right corner ("Bay of Uri / Brunnen / June 4. 70") shows us that the artist painted this piece during a summer month which corresponds with the weather portrayed in the painting. Although the tallest mountains are capped with snow, lush greenery blankets the mountains of lower altitudes, indicating that the weather may be rather mild. In Sargent's pure and airy Bay of Uri, Brunnen, he utilizes various elements and techniques to convey this theme of beauty in nature.
Although lines are used throughout this landscape, the most recognizable use of line is in the water. Here, Sargent uses straight, horizontal lines to add detail and motion to the surface of the bay which appears to be rippling. This tells us that the water is calm and brings a feeling of serenity to the piece. The artist may have used horizontal lines to contribute to this feeling of restfulness. Lines are also used to outline the mountains, helping us differentiate a mountain from the one behind it or in front of it. The outlines of the mountains also act as directional lines which lead our eyes from the peaks, down the rugged slopes, and to the water.
Light and value are used heavily on the mountainsides to create a three-dimensional feel and to depict the steepness of the terrain. Sargent uses a mild amount of value throughout the clouds to add a touch of depth to the sky. This subtle use of value allows the clouds to appear three-dimensional while remaining faint in the distance. The shading used on the mountainsides is also visible in the reflections on the surface of the water. This detail not only enhances the overall effect of tranquility, but also reinforces the stillness of the bay.
The artist uses a palette of almost entirely cool colors in this piece. This allows us to perceive the temperature of the landscape as brisk and refreshing. It is implied by the name of the work that this painting is of a scene from Switzerland, a setting in which cooler colors feel appropriate. Sargent's use of analogous colors establishes a profound sense of harmony. Light blue is a color that symbolizes peace; an emotion which is undeniably brought forth in this piece.
The most prominent element used in Bay of Uri, Brunnen is atmospheric perspective. This optical effect is seen mainly in the primary subject of this piece: the mountains. The paler the color of the mountainsides, the further away they appear to be. The detail of the ridges and the bay also decreases the deeper you look in the background. The mountains in the foreground are much more vibrant and intricate. This effect allows us to perceive the great expanse of the landscape.
Sargent purposefully uses specific design techniques to create visual unity. As mentioned earlier, the analogous colors minimize sharp contrasts throughout the painting, giving it a harmonious effect. The use of lines promotes a feeling of natural order. The thin lines along the surface of the bay add consistency through repetitious pattern. Although the colors are nearly all analogous, the artist also achieves variety by delicately applying warmer colors which faintly contrast the crisp temperature of the environment.
At first glance, this piece may not appear entirely proportional. This is due to the fact that the mountain range to the right of the bay is taller and larger than that of the left side. Therefore, the use of asymmetrical balance is debatable. In the foreground, the two mountainsides to the left and the right of the water are both of similar height and visual weight. However, this is offset by the mountains in the middleground and background. The mountain range displays rhythm and unity, but little visual balance.
In Bay of Uri, Brunnen, John Singer Sargent masterfully manipulates a variety of artistic elements to not only illustrate a stunning view but also to evoke feelings of placidity and bliss. The use of line, value, color, space, variety, and unity blend to create an experience. It is outwardly a painting of a mountain range beside a bay. But by allowing the viewer to absorb such a magnificent landscape, the artist elicits a sense of admiration for the environment and an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
