Panorama Landscape of Nebi Samouel (from Sketchbook)

Art Historical Context

Mary Newbold Sargent's *Panorama Landscape of Nebi Samouel (from Sketchbook)*, created in 1904, captures a sweeping vista of this historic site near Jerusalem, known as the traditional tomb of the biblical prophet Samuel. Rendered in graphite on a modest sheet of paper measuring just 5¼ x 8¼ inches, this intimate sketch exemplifies the portability and immediacy of pencil drawing, ideal for an artist traveling abroad. As an American artist whose work resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, Sargent offers a window into early 20th-century Western fascination with the Holy Land, blending observation with a sense of wanderlust. The sketch's panoramic format emphasizes the expansive terrain—rolling hills, distant horizons, and perhaps architectural elements of the shrine—compressed into a sketchbook page for later reference or study. Graphite's subtle tones allow for delicate shading and line work, highlighting Sargent's skill in distilling vast landscapes into concise, evocative forms. Donated to the Met in 1950 by Mrs. Francis Ormond, the drawing reflects the era's tradition of elite American travelers documenting exotic locales, contributing to a broader narrative of cultural exchange in American art. This piece invites visitors to appreciate the quiet artistry of on-the-spot sketching, a foundational practice that bridges personal exploration and artistic legacy.

About the Artist

Mary Newbold Sargent · 1826–1906

Mary Newbold Sargent (née Singer, 1826–1906) was born on April 24, 1826, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to John Singer, a tanner and merchant, and Mary Smith Newbold. She married Dr. FitzWilliam Sargent, an eye surgeon, on June 27, 1850, in Philadelphia. The death of their first daughter, Mary Newbold Sargent (1851–1853), triggered a profound emotional crisis for Mary, prompting the family to aban...