Mules
The prolific Sargent made dozens of sketches and watercolors during his time at the Western Front as an official war artist for Britain. His subjects ranged from the horrific effects of modern chemical warfare to more intimate watercolors, which document the ruin and chaos of war and vignettes of daily life. Mules would have been a common sight at the front. Because of their strength and ability to maneuver difficult terrain they were widely used to transport troops, provisions, and artillery. Here Sargent avoids overt references to war but hints at the difficult conditions by depicting the mules’ hooves immersed in deep mud.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mules
- Artist: John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
- Date: 1918
- Culture: American
- Medium: Watercolor, graphite, and wax crayon on off-white wove paper
- Dimensions: 13 3/16 x 20 15/16 in. (33.5 x 53.2 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Francis Ormond, 1950
- Object Number: 50.130.49
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
John Singer Sargent
1870
John Singer Sargent
1870
John Singer Sargent
1870
John Singer Sargent
1870
John Singer Sargent
1870
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.