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2024-09-22 08:20:01

John Singer Sargent

American expatriate portrait painter of Edwardian-era luxury
American expatriate portrait painter of Edwardian-era luxury

John Singer Sargent, born in 1856, created over 900 oil paintings and 2,000 watercolors, showcasing worldwide travels. Known for technical skill, he faced scandal but continued successful career in Europe. His work blends grand portraiture with Impressionism, later focusing on murals and plein air painting. A reevaluation in the 1980s highlighted his psychological complexity and progressive views on gender and globalism.

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John Singer Sargent studies in Italy, Germany, and Paris under Emile Auguste Carolus-Duran

John Singer Sargent pursued his artistic education in Italy and Germany before furthering his studies in Paris under the guidance of Emile Auguste Carolus-Duran.

1850
Marriage of Fitzwilliam Sargent and Mary Newbold Singer

In 1850, Fitzwilliam Sargent, a physician, married Mary Newbold Singer, daughter of a successful local merchant.

1852
El Jaleo

El Jaleo is a painting created in 1852 by John Singer Sargent depicting a Spanish Gypsy dancer performing in a lively and passionate manner.

1854
Sargent Family's Move to Europe

In late summer 1854, Fitzwilliam Sargent and Mary Newbold Singer moved to Europe seeking a healthful climate and a distraction after the death of their firstborn child.

1856-01-01
Birth of John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent, the American artist, was born in 1856.

1856-01-12
Birth of John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent, an American expatriate artist known as the 'leading portrait painter of his generation', was born in Florence, Italy. He created numerous oil paintings, watercolors, sketches, and charcoal drawings, documenting his worldwide travels and capturing Edwardian-era luxury.

1874-05
Sargent begins studying under Carolus-Duran

In May 1874, John Singer Sargent started studying under the guidance of Carolus-Duran, a prominent portrait painter in Third Republic France. Duran emphasized immediate painting without preliminary drawings, using thick layers of paint, and drawing inspiration from artists like Velázquez, Hals, and Rembrandt.

1875
Neville Cain portrayed by John S. Sargent

John Singer Sargent portrayed Neville Cain around 1875.

1876-05
Sargent's First Trip to the United States

In May 1876, John Singer Sargent embarked on his first trip to the United States with his mother and sister Emily. During this trip, he visited the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and Niagara Falls.

1877
John Singer Sargent exhibits at the Salon

In 1877, John Singer Sargent exhibited at the Salon, showcasing a balance of portraits and subject pictures. His innovative approach to painting garnered critical attention and success at a young age.

1879
Sargent painted a portrait of Carolus-Duran

In 1879, John Singer Sargent painted a portrait of Carolus-Duran, which was well-received and marked the direction of his mature work.

1880
Sargent exhibited portrait of Madame Edouard Pailleron

In 1880, John Singer Sargent exhibited a portrait of Madame Edouard Pailleron at the Salon.

1881
Portrait of Dr. Pozzi at Home

Sargent sent this flamboyant painting for exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1881. It features Dr. Pozzi in a domestic setting, showcasing Sargent's early success in portrait painting.

1882
The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit

Painted in 1882, The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit by John Singer Sargent is influenced by Velázquez's Las Meninas, showcasing individuality and personality of the sitters in a haunting interior.

1883
Portrait of Mrs. Henry White

Displayed at the Royal Academy in 1883, this traditional portrait of Mrs. Henry White was among the paintings that encouraged Sargent to permanently move to London in 1886.

1884
Scandal of Madame Gautreau Portrait

The scandal caused by John Singer Sargent's daring portrait of Madame Gautreau at the Salon of 1884 led to his departure to London the following year.

1885
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose is a painting by John Singer Sargent from 1885, capturing the beauty of two young girls lighting lanterns in a garden at dusk.

1886
Portrait of Mrs Robert Harrison

In 1886, John Singer Sargent painted the portrait of Mrs Robert Harrison. Sargent was a renowned portraitist who painted many distinguished personalities of his time.

1887
Display of Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose at Royal Academy

In 1887, John Singer Sargent's painting Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose was displayed at the Royal Academy, receiving positive feedback from English critics and leading to its acquisition by the British nation.

1888
John Singer Sargent's first one man show in Boston

In 1888, John Singer Sargent had his first one man show at the St. Botolph Club in Boston. The exhibition marked a significant milestone in Sargent's career as a portrait painter.

1889
Paul Helleu Sketching with his Wife

One of Sargent's impressionistic works is 'Paul Helleu Sketching with his Wife', painted in 1889. This painting features Paul César Helleu and his wife Alice, showcasing Sargent's friendship with Helleu.

1890
Portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw

In 1890, John Singer Sargent painted the portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw, which combined impressionism, aestheticism, and realism. The portrait showcased Sargent's ability to capture the essence of his subjects with daring compositions.

1891
Began murals for Boston Public Library

In 1891, John Singer Sargent started working on the murals for the Boston Public Library, a significant project in his artistic career.

1892
Lady Agnew of Lochnaw

Painted in 1892, Lady Agnew of Lochnaw was one of Sargent's notable portrait commissions in the 1890s. The painting exemplifies Sargent's grand manner and exquisite portrayal of his subjects.

1893
Sargent exhibited portraits at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition

In 1893, John Singer Sargent exhibited nine of his portraits at the Palace of Fine Arts at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

1896
Sargent painted portrait of Henry Gurdon Marquand

In 1896, John Singer Sargent was commissioned by the Trustees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to produce a portrait of Henry Gurdon Marquand, the second president of the museum.

1897
Mrs. Carl Meyer and Her Children

In 1897, John Singer Sargent painted the flamboyant and fantastic portrait of Mrs. Carl Meyer and Her Children, which was praised by Henry James for its talent and boldness. This portrait marked a significant moment in Sargent's career.

1898
Sargent painted portraits of the Wertheimer family

In 1898, Asher Wertheimer commissioned John Singer Sargent to paint a series of a dozen portraits of his family, which are now displayed at the Tate Britain.

1900
The Wyndham Sisters: Lady Elcho, Mrs. Tennant, and Mrs. Adeane by John Singer Sargent

In 1900, John Singer Sargent painted The Wyndham Sisters: Lady Elcho, Mrs. Tennant, and Mrs. Adeane. This oil painting is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

1901
Professor Ingram Bywater exhibited by John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent exhibited a portrait of Professor Ingram Bywater in 1901.

1902
Portrait of Lord Ribblesdale

In 1902, Sargent painted one of his last major portraits in his bravura style, depicting Lord Ribblesdale in an elegant hunting uniform.

1903
Portrait of Theodore Roosevelt by John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent created a portrait of Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. This oil painting captures the essence of the former President of the United States.

1904
Lady Helen Vincent, Viscountess D’Abernon

In 1904, John Singer Sargent revealed a portrait of Lady Helen Vincent, Viscountess D’Abernon, showcasing her exceptional beauty and charm, two decades after his controversial painting Madame X.

1905
Sale of Group with Parasols (A Siesta)

In December 2004, Group with Parasols (A Siesta) painted by John Singer Sargent was sold for $23.5 million, almost double the estimated price. This sale marked a significant increase in the value of Sargent's paintings, with the previous highest price being $11 million.

1906
The Chess Game

In 1906, Sargent portrayed his friends and family dressed in Orientalist costume in the painting 'The Chess Game'. This work allowed for a more vivid palette and experimental handling compared to his commissioned pieces.

1907
Sargent's Transition to Watercolorist

In 1907, John Singer Sargent decided to stop accepting portrait commissions and focused on his career as a watercolorist. This transition was a result of his growing interest in travel studies in watercolor and the critical acclaim he received for his watercolor paintings.

1908
Portrait of Almina, Daughter of Asher Wertheimer

John Singer Sargent painted a portrait of Almina, Daughter of Asher Wertheimer in 1908, where she is depicted wearing a Persian costume, a pearl encrusted turban, and playing an Indian sarod. The portrait aimed to convey sensuality and mystery, appealing to the exotic tastes of his Jewish clients.

1909
Watercolour Exhibition in New York

In 1909, John Singer Sargent exhibited eighty-six watercolours in New York City, with eighty-three of them being acquired by the Brooklyn Museum.

1910
Transition to Landscapes by John Singer Sargent

After 1910, John Singer Sargent shifted his focus from portraiture to painting murals and landscapes, particularly Alpine and Italian scenes in watercolor. This marked a significant transition in his artistic career.

1913
Fountain, with Girl Sketching by John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent's artwork 'Fountain, with Girl Sketching' from around 1913.

1916
Sargent's decorative paintings for Museum of Fine Arts

In 1916, John Singer Sargent worked on decorative paintings for public buildings like the Museum of Fine Arts.

1917
Portrait of John D. Rockefeller

In 1917, Sargent completed his portrait of John D. Rockefeller, after which critics began to view him as a master of the past.

1918
Painting 'Gassed' as a War Artist

In 1918, John Singer Sargent painted 'Gassed' as an official war artist during World War I. This painting, depicting the aftermath of a mustard gas attack, is considered one of his late masterpieces.

1919
Gassed

Sargent's most important war picture, 'Gassed', is located in the Imperial War Museum in London. It depicts the aftermath of a mustard gas attack during World War I.

1924
Retrospective Exhibition at Grand Central Art Galleries

A retrospective exhibition of John Singer Sargent's work was held at the Grand Central Art Galleries in New York in 1924, showcasing his artistic achievements.

1925-01-01
Death of John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent, the American artist, passed away in 1925.

1925-04-14
Death of John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent, the successful portrait painter, passed away.

1925-04-15
Death of John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent passed away on April 15, 1925, in London, England, at the age of 69.

1926
Roger Fry's Critique at Sargent Retrospective

In 1926, Roger Fry, a prominent English art critic from the Bloomsbury Group, criticized Sargent's work during a retrospective in London. Fry dismissed Sargent's art as lacking aesthetic quality and expressed his disbelief that it could be confused with true artistic expression.

1928
Posthumous Exhibition at Grand Central Art Galleries

The Grand Central Art Galleries organized a posthumous exhibition in 1928 showcasing previously unseen sketches and drawings from John Singer Sargent's career.

1955
John Singer Sargent

Charles Merrill Mount's 1955 book on the life and works of John Singer Sargent.

1982
John Singer Sargent

Carter Ratcliff's 1982 book providing insights into the art of John Singer Sargent.

1986-07
Retrospective Exhibition at Whitney Museum

A retrospective exhibition of John Singer Sargent's work was held at the Whitney Museum in New York from 1986 to 1987, highlighting his artistic achievements and influence.

1991
John Singer Sargent's Alpine Sketchbooks: A Young Artist's Perspective

Stephen D. Rubin's 1991 work exploring Sargent's Alpine sketchbooks and early artistic perspective.

1994
John Singer Sargent

A book by Trevor Fairbrother providing insights into the life and works of John Singer Sargent.

1998
Retrospective Exhibition at Tate Gallery

A retrospective exhibition of John Singer Sargent's work was held at the Tate Gallery in 1998, showcasing his artistic legacy and contributions to the art world.

1999
Large-scale travelling exhibition in major museums

In 1999, a 'blockbuster' travelling show featuring John Singer Sargent's work was exhibited at prestigious museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the National Gallery of Art Washington, and the National Gallery, London, further solidifying Sargent's popularity.

2000
American Drawings and Watercolors in the Metropolitan Museum of Art: John Singer Sargent

Stephanie L. Herdrich and H. Barbara Weinberg's 2000 publication focusing on Sargent's drawings and watercolors in the Met.

2001
John Singer Sargent: The Sensualist

A publication by Trevor Fairbrother delving into the sensual aspects of John Singer Sargent's art.

2003
Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madam X

A book by Deborah Davis exploring the scandal surrounding John Singer Sargent's painting 'Madam X'.

2004-12
Sale of Group with Parasols (A Siesta)

In December 2004, 'Group with Parasols (A Siesta)' by John Singer Sargent was sold for US$23.5 million, almost double the estimated price. This marked one of the highest prices paid for a Sargent painting.

2006
Portrait de Madame X

A work by Benoît Noël and Jean Hournon discussing the portrait of Madame X by John Singer Sargent within the context of 19th-century Parisian arts.

2009
John Singer Sargent's Triumph of Religion at the Boston Public Library: Creation and Restoration

A collaborative work edited by Narayan Khandekar, Gianfranco Pocobene, and Kate Smith, focusing on the creation and restoration of John Singer Sargent's artwork at the Boston Public Library.

2010-07-12
Sargent and the Sea at the Royal Academy

Richard Dorment reviewed 'Sargent and the Sea' at the Royal Academy in The Daily Telegraph on July 12, 2010.

2010-12-06
John Singer Sargent Letters Online at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art

The letters of John Singer Sargent are available online at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art. This collection was archived on December 6, 2010.

2014-10-07
Video discussion about Sargent's Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

A video discussion about John Singer Sargent's painting 'Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose' is available on Smarthistory at Khan Academy. The discussion was archived on October 7, 2014.

2015
John Singer Sargent's International Network of Artists and Muses

Barbara Dayer Gallati's work in 2015, discussing Sargent's connections with artists and muses.

2017
Redemption Achieved: John Singer Sargent's Crucifixion of Christ with Adam and Eve and Its Place in His Work

John Thomas' 2017 book discussing Sargent's Crucifixion of Christ with Adam and Eve and its significance in his body of work.

2018
Madame X: A Burlesque Fantasy

In 2018, Comedy Central star Jade Esteban Estrada created and performed in 'Madame X: A Burlesque Fantasy', a stage production based on the life of John Singer Sargent and his famous painting, Portrait of Madame X.

2021
Influence on Maggie Stiefvater's Novel

John Singer Sargent's works played a significant role in Maggie Stiefvater's 2021 novel 'Mister Impossible', showcasing the enduring impact of the artist's creations in literature.

2022-10-02
Sargent and Spain at National Gallery of Art

An exhibition titled 'Sargent and Spain' is held at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC from October 2, 2022, to January 2, 2023.

2023-02-11
Sargent and Spain at Legion of Honor

The exhibition 'Sargent and Spain' is showcased at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, California from February 11 to May 14, 2023.

2023-10-08
Fashioned by Sargent at Museum of Fine Arts

The 'Fashioned by Sargent' exhibition takes place at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston from October 8, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

2024-02-22
Sargent and Fashion at Tate Britain

The 'Sargent and Fashion' exhibition is held at Tate Britain in London from February 22 to July 7, 2024. It was reviewed by Emily LaBarge in The New York Times on February 29, 2024.

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John Singer Sargent
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