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In this painting, Sargent illustrates a tranquil bay hemmed in by rugged, majestic mountains. The waters of the bay are depicted in peaceful hues of blue and green, mirroring the towering peaks that encircle it. The mountains, likely covered with a mix of rocky outcrops and alpine vegetation, rise vertically, their sheer faces creating a dramatic backdrop. Brunnen, a quaint village likely barely hinted at but sensed along the tranquil bay, adds a touch of humanity to the natural wonder.

The artist employs a loose and spontaneous brush technique, typical of his sketches, which gives the scene a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The colors used are decidedly naturalistic, capturing the gentle play of sunlight on the peaks and water, and highlighting the clarity of the Swiss landscape. Cumulative layers of shading and fine details in the texture of the mountainsides convey the geological variety and grandeur of the region.

Original Painting Location: As a page from Sargent’s sketchbook, this artwork belongs to the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which holds the John Singer Sargent Archive. Sketchbooks often reside in museums or private collections and are occasionally exhibited.

About John Singer Sargent:
John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) is an acclaimed American artist renowned for his portrait work and significant contribution to portraiture around the turn of the 20th century. He was born in Florence, Italy, to American expatriate parents, and his cosmopolitan upbringing influenced his art profoundly. Sargent's education at the École des Beaux-Arts and mentorship under Carolus-Duran honed his artistic talents.

Artistic Movement and Career Context:
While Sargent is primarily known for his stunningly realistic and psychologically nuanced portraits, his landscapes and sketches offer an intimate glimpse into his personal views and the places he visited. This particular sketch fits within the period of Sargent’s early formative years. The 1870s were crucial for Sargent's development as an artist, as he traveled extensively and formed the foundations of his skills and style. His loose, impressionistic treatment of landscapes in his sketchbooks provides a raw, spontaneous quality contrasted with the refined polish of his finished works.

Noteworthy Details:
1. Medium and Technique: This piece is a sketch, likely created with a combination of watercolor, pencil, or ink, given the time period and Sargent’s practice. It reflects his keen ability to capture atmosphere and light with minimal strokes.

2. Travel Influence: This work stems from a period when Sargent was exploring Europe, immersing himself in various cultures and landscapes which profoundly influenced his artistic viewpoint.

3. Intimate Insight: Sketches like this offer significant insight into Sargent’s working method and thought process. They show how he observed and documented scenes during his travels, which he often revisited and refined in his more formal compositions.

4. Sargent’s Versatility: This sketch emphasizes Sargent’s versatility as a painter capable of moving seamlessly between detailed, formal portraiture and evocative, free-form sketches.

In summary, "Bay of Uri, Brunnen from Switzerland 1870 Sketchbook" by John Singer Sargent presents a serene yet powerful glimpse of the Swiss landscape through the eyes of a young artist who would emerge to become one of the preeminent painters of his time. The piece is a testament to Sargent's early exploration and keen eye for natural beauty, capturing both intimate and grand elements of a picturesque location.