Friday, August 29, 2008

"X"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I think I needed to see warm, autumn colors - I'm sooooo ready for fall. John Singer Sargent's painting 'Madame X' was my top choice, one of my personal favorites, a work of art that takes my breath away. This portrait of Virginia Amelie Avegno Gautreau hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, a must-see. Sargent had to endure the scandalous response to this painting, even from the sitter's mother, who insisted the portrait not be exhibited in the Paris Salon. He did alter the shoulder straps, lessening the amount of flesh to please the masses.

In the flesh (pardon the pun), the skin is masterful, as Sargent accentuates the lavender-powdered, pale tones against the black and rich, warm surroundings. Perfection.

Please click here for a larger view.

9 comments:

  1. This painting is absolutely fantastic! It does remind me of fall and cooler weather!

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  2. These museum paintings of yours resonate with me the way mirrors on opposite walls do with one another. People looking at people looking at... What a great concept. And I like the paintings you choose. Of course your other paintings are great too.

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  3. Like all your other paintings, this one is great one too.

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  4. Another amazing painting. I love John Singer Sargent and to stand in front of one of his paintings is such a feeling. Just to be that close and know his hand was there, wow.

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  5. One of my all time favorite paintings of Sargents. You amaze me in your ability to reproduce famous art works in your paintings.

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  6. yowsa, I just noticed the 'x' shadow under the viewer caused by the museum lighting ....yes, Sargent's work & especially this one has always been a favorite, but your works always add "another layer to the story"!

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  7. How brilliant to devise the criss-crossing of the shadows where the museum-goer stands! Perfect allusion to Madame X. So cool, too, that you dropped the shoulder of your also-hourglass-shaped viewer to mirror Sargent's portrait, which you beautifully painted. No surprise, of course, but it still thrills me.

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  8. Madame X is lovely. "Strapless" is a great book all about the painting. I'd recommend it!

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  9. That figure with the blonde hair is completely wonderful.

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