Village Children

John Singer Sargent painted Village Children in London in 1890. He was born in Florence to American parents and trained as an artist in Paris. Sargent became famous for portraits of wealthy and important people. He also enjoyed painting more relaxed subjects outside the studio. His friendship with Claude Monet encouraged him to work outdoors and paint with quicker, looser brushstrokes. This painting at the Yale University Art Gallery shows a less formal side of an artist best known for grand portraits.