"Sargent"

6 x 8"

oil on panel

sold

I'm not sure there is a more perfect painting other than 'Madame X' by the American artist, John Singer Sargent.  His painting debuted in 1884 in Paris - critics freaked out and deemed it scandalous and immoral - too 'erotic' for their delicate (prudish) eyes it seems.  Even the family of Virginie Gautreau (Madame X) was outraged, particularly because one of the dress straps was originally slipped off her shoulder.  Sargent appeased the family by repainting the strap and kept the painting for 3 years - meanwhile moving to London and becoming one of the most sought-after portrait painters of the times.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City purchase 'Madame X' in 1916.

I am quoting a portion of the Khan Academy's summary about 'Madame X', because I think it's so very well said -  'The painting - which debuted to severe disparagement but is today treasured as a masterpiece beloved in the history of Western art - is but one example of an artwork that gradually evolved from epitomizing the condemned to the celebrated.  Much of a work's initial reception is based upon society's tastes, standards of etiquette, and values of the era, and as these attitudes shift over the decades, the public may begin to look at older paintings with new eyes.'

There isn't a single painting that Sargent created that doesn't bring me to my knees - so it was an easy choice for the letter R in my series ArtistZ.

                         FYI - 

 

"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.