James Sant

JAMES SANT (England, 1820-1916).
"Femme à la fontaine".
Oil on canvas.
Signed on the back.
Measurements: 180 x 120 cm.

The skill with the brushes earned James Sant to be appointed portrait painter of Queen Victoria. In the painting that we show here his ability to capture the vivacious and lively expression of the young water carrier is evident, being in the portrait of women and children the genre where the English author stood out the most. The large black eyes shine with frankness, looking at us from the corner of their eyes. The juicy lips are outlined on a smooth skin, subtly shaded by the country life. Her hair is straight and silky, and frames a face of beautiful features. The young woman carries the pitcher on her left shoulder, and her bare feet have paused for a moment as she climbs the ancient stone steps, lined with dense foliage. The varied textures and qualities of the garments, the pottery and the hint of woodland have been recreated with plastic ingenuity.

James Sant was a British painter specializing in portraiture, best known for his images of women and his artistic exploration of the symbolism of childhood. He was a member of the Royal Academy. In 1871 he was appointed official portrait painter to Queen Victoria, after becoming known for his portraits of royal children and, in particular, for his 1870 portrait of Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice. He was the last artist to hold this title. Sant was "the emperor of children," in the words of the Athenaeum. However, many of his paintings were landscapes, particularly gardens. In his later paintings he developed a freer style comparable to the work of the French Impressionists. He continued to paint landscapes until an advanced age. He was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1914. His work is in the Tate Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.