Escutcheon of Charles V of Spain

Giclee Print

John Singer Sargent painted a watercolor of this same wall fountain in 1912.

During my trip to Spain in 2022, studying and painting it ranked at the very top of my list of things to do.

As I first approached the location, I saw a large tarp covering a construction area. When I arrived, my heart sank as I realized the escutcheon was under renovation. Just as I began to accept the closure, I heard the sound of water. After walking in circles trying to locate the source, I found a terrace tucked into a hillside, with the escutcheon and it’s fountains flowing in dazzling sunlight. I pumped my fists in the air, yelling “Yes!” as confused tourists looked on. I was extremely happy, and grateful.

Over the next three days, I spent many hours painting color studies, taking notes and lots of photographs.

Back home, I gathered all of the observations and painted this watercolor in the studio. Sargent’s Escutcheon was about the light — my painting is about the color. All six hues are present in the carved stone. As a bonus, two arching fountains (not working during Sargent’s day) added dynamic movement to the piece.

This watercolor is an homage to one of my favorite artists, and a memory of one of the happier weeks of my life.

About Giclee Prints

A Giclee print is the highest-quality print money can buy. The Giclee printer uses fade-resistant archival pigment-based inks on heavyweight (305gsm), acid-free paper to ensure that the colors hold true over time (a century and beyond when properly displayed).

This process costs significantly more than other types of printing (such as lithograph or other digital print) due to the premium inks used (12 pigment-based inks as compared to the four lesser-quality inks of other printers). This results in colors that are almost indistinguishable from the original.

Each Giclee print arrives to you ready for framing.

Size

Print size (including artwork, title and perimeter boundary): 20” x 15”

Price

$150