6 x 8"
oil on panel
sold
I easily chose Anders Zorn for my final painting in my series ArtistZ - I discovered him when I read Charley Parker's post on my favorite art blog Lines and Colors back in the spring. When I delve into Zorn's bio and paintings, I realized I had seen his work before - and I probably thought his large portraits were those by John Singer Sargent because they feel like Sargents in many ways.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston held an exhibit in 2013 "Anders Zorn: A European Artist Seduces America" revealing a competitive rivalry between Zorn and Sargent - both painters were involved in the coveted commissions from the high society during the Gilded Age.
In Charley Parker's post - he writes about Zorn's portrait of Mrs. Walter Rathbone Bacon, commissioned by Edward Rathbone Bacon, her brother-in-law and a very powerful, wealthy railway magnate (much like George Vanderbilt II, who commissioned Sargent on several occasions). In fact, Sargent painted his sister-in-law, but Edward wanted Zorn to attempt a 'better' one.
John Singer Sargent's 'Portrait of Mrs. Walter Rathbone Bacon'
The story goes that Sargent saw Zorn's painting at the Paris Salon and conceded Zorn had 'won a brilliant victory'.
Anders Zorn is one of Sweden's most celebrated artists to this day.
Being that I've wrapped up my series ArtistZ, I want to say how much I've enjoyed digging into bios and really looking at all the artist's works - I never took an art history course back in the days and learning more is always rewarding when it comes to artists and painting. It drives me. It inspires me.
Here are some useful websites if you want to discover artists ~
And then there's my favorite, Sister Wendy, who has opened my eyes on a lot of art that I'd never thought about.
If you know of another site you like, please leave a comment and I'll add it to the list.
Onto another painting for the show at the Vendue.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ~
