Algerian Water Carrier

William Sartain, born Philadelphia, PA 1843-died New York City 1924 · after 1874

William Sartain lived in Algiers for several months in 1874. He immersed himself in Arab culture, eating the food, studying the language, exploring the countryside, and even wearing native clothing. His sketches of the countryside, architecture, and local people became the basis for many images he painted later in America. This piece shows an alleyway with a man carrying a jug of water and a large bowl. The painting is typical of Sartain’s work, which showed intimate scenes of everyday life rather than dramatic monuments or panoramas.