Lecture Notes: John Singer Sargent and Madam X

Introduction to John Singer Sargent

• Born in 1856 in Florence, Italy, to American parents.
• Spent entire childhood in Europe, exposed to various cultures and arts.
• Fluent in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German).
• Talented musician and played the piano.

The Scandal of "Madam X"

• "Madam X" refers to Virginie Gautreau, whose portrait by Sargent caused scandal.
• Original painting (1884) exhibited in Paris was controversial due to provocative pose (strap falling off the shoulder).
• Criticism nearly damaged Sargent's career.
• Sargent later repainted the strap onto the shoulder and kept the painting until donating it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1907.
• He considered it his finest work.

Sargent's Early Career Success

• At 23, gained recognition in Paris with a portrait of his teacher.
• Painted a masterpiece portrait of a Parisian gynecologist at 25.

Sargent's Style and Reputation

• Known for luscious, flattering society portraits.
• Criticized for being defined by his commissioned works and subjects.
• Recent reevaluation of his work shows him as a profound artist.

Intimate and Uncommissioned Works

• Painted intimate portraits of friends and cultural figures without the need to flatter.
• Captured deep character traits and personal feelings in these works.
• Notable subjects include writer Robert Louis Stevenson and painter Claude Monet.

Influence and Evolution

• Influenced by Impressionism; absorbed and embraced Impressionist techniques.
• Sargent’s paintings of friends were considered unconventional and daring.

Later Career and Artistic Interests

• Declared in 1907 he would not paint more portraits, focusing on informal settings and watercolors.
• Renowned for extraordinary portrait works treasured globally.

Personal Aspects

• Rarely painted self-portraits; those he did were commissioned and revealed little about him.

Conclusion

• Sargent's legacy goes beyond society portraits, recognized as one of the greatest artists.
• His intimate and informal works continue to be celebrated and studied.