Setting Out to Fish by John Singer Sargent. A group of Breton fisherwomen and children walk across a sun-drenched tidal flat at Cancale, carrying baskets under a bright, cloudy sky.

Setting Out to Fish

John Singer Sargent

1878 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A luminous coastal scene capturing the daily rhythms of 19th-century life on the shores of Brittany.

$243

For the selected configuration

From $129

6 frame sizes

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Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

A quiet, grounding work with warm, lived-in color — holds a wall without competing for attention.

Often works in
Living Room · Dining Room · Bedroom
Placement
Works well as a measured horizontal anchor
Walls
Best with clear wall contrast
Color notes
Soft gray, Rich brown, Charcoal black

About the piece

Painted in 1878, this masterful work by John Singer Sargent depicts fisherwomen in Cancale preparing for the tide. The painting is celebrated for its brilliant handling of midday light, reflected on the wet sand and the figures' traditional attire, showcasing Sargent's early impressionistic brilliance and fascination with natural atmosphere.