Commissioned in 1892, by Sir Andrew Agnew, this painting typifies the style of John Singer Sargent – the American (although born in Florence!) portrait artist who became the most sought-after portrait painter of the early 20th century.
It’s a beautiful painting that is typical of his style, which was quite revolutionary in portraiture at the time. He paints the play of light, rather than tight portraiture. The eyes, face and hands (if shown) are always well defined, but the fabrics and background elements are loosely defined on close examination. The viewer sees a rich and realistic, but human, vision of the sitter.
His work is always beautiful, even if the sitter wasn’t. That beauty comes from how he handles light – his brevity of touch that conveys just enough information – that’s his genius.
His work straddles the conventions of Rembrandt and Velázquez, but draws upon the fluidity of Impressionism – it’s no surprise that he is considered the greatest “modern” portrait artist.
The Sitter and the Breakthrough
Gertrude Agnew was just 27 when this portrait was painted, and her relaxed, slightly unconventional pose gave Sargent licence to put his style to work.
When it was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1893, it was an absolute sensation. It cemented Sargent’s reputation in Britain, proving he could capture elite society with vitality and psychological depth without resorting to Victorian pomp.
What was it that grabbed me?
It’s the richness and lushness of the painting – take the subject matter away and it’s a beautiful combination of colours on canvas. The portrait is perfect. The broch is beautifully conveyed, but look closely and be amazed at how little he gives your brain to determine the object.
How does this approach inform my style?
I love the lushness of the colour. It’s first and foremost a beautiful painting full of richness and life – he elevates the reality.
I always amp up my colours a bit, cause life is to dull most days, so why not turn the volume up when you get an opportunity to do so?
I love the balance he delivered – convincing ALWAYS – beautiful EVERY TIME.
If I could do that I’d be a very happy painter.
About John Singer Sargent
Born in Florence to American parents, Sargent trained there and in Paris before moving to London, living most of his life in Europe.
He enjoyed international acclaim as a portrait painter. An early submission to the Paris Salon in the 1880s, his Portrait of Madame X, was intended to consolidate his position as a society painter in Paris but instead resulted in scandal.
You guessed it… the painting was deemed: vulgar and over-sexualised.
Whilst this knockback affected him in France, it probably helped him in the UK and USA.
Although revered for portraits, his love was actually landscape art.
Interested in his output? Take a look here > https://www.johnsingersargent.org/
