Collection: John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) was an American painter celebrated for his exceptional portraiture and technical brilliance. Known for his striking ability to capture the personalities and elegance of his subjects, Sargent painted in a style influenced by both Realism and Impressionism, creating a unique blend of meticulous detail and loose, flowing brushwork.

Born to American parents in Florence, Italy, Sargent was raised in Europe, traveling widely and developing a cosmopolitan outlook that deeply influenced his art. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and trained under Carolus-Duran, a master portraitist who encouraged a painterly, alla prima style that greatly impacted Sargent's approach.

Sargent’s success as a portrait artist earned him a prominent place in society, and he painted many of the era's elite figures, including writers, artists, socialites, and political leaders. In addition to portraits, he painted landscapes, genre scenes, and watercolor studies, especially later in life when he turned to more experimental works. His watercolor paintings from travels in places like Venice, the Middle East, and the Alps showcase his love of light, color, and fluid brushstrokes.

Sargent's art balances technical mastery with emotional insight, capturing both the elegance of the Gilded Age and a broader, human sensitivity. His legacy as one of the greatest American portraitists endures, with his works continuing to captivate viewers with their elegance, vividness, and life.

Some of Sargent's most famous works include:

• Madame X (1884): A daring portrait of American expatriate Virginie Gautreau, whose bold pose and plunging dress scandalized Paris when it was exhibited, nearly derailing Sargent's career. However, it later became one of his most iconic paintings.

• Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose (1885–1886): A glowing, Impressionist-influenced painting of two young girls lighting lanterns in a garden, celebrated for its masterful capture of evening light.

• The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit (1882): A mysterious and psychologically rich portrayal of four young sisters in a grand Parisian interior, blending portraiture with a sense of narrative.