![Portrait of John Singer Sargent](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/sargent000.jpg)
John Singer Sargent Painting Reproductions 11 of 12
1856-1925
American Impressionist Painter
John Singer Sargent (January 12, 1856 - April 14, 1925) was the most successful portrait painter of his era, as well as a gifted landscape painter and watercolorist. He was an American expatriate who lived most of his life in Europe. Sargent was born in Florence, Italy to American parents. He studied in Italy and Germany, and then in Paris under Emile Auguste Carolus-Duran.
Biography and work
Sargent's portraits subtly capture the individuality and personality of the sitters; his most ardent admirers think he is matched in this only by Diego Velazquez, who was one of Sargent's great influences. The Spanish master's spell is apparent in Sargent's The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, 1882, a haunting interior which echoes Velazquez' Las Meninas. Sargent's Portrait of Madame X, done in 1884, is now considered one of his best works, and was the artist's personal favorite. However, at the time it was unveiled in Paris at the 1884 Salon, it aroused such a negative reaction that it prompted Sargent to move to London. Many years before the Mme. X. scandal of 1884, he painted exotic beauties such as Rosina Ferrara of Capri, and the Spanish expatriate model, Carmela Bertagna.
Although Sargent lived in the United States for less than one year, some of his best work is in the U.S., including his decorations for the Boston Public Library. He also completed portraits of two U.S. presidents: Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
Sargent is usually not thought of as an Impressionist painter, but he sometimes used impressionistic techniques to great effect, and his Claude Monet Painting at the Edge of a Wood is rendered in his own version of the impressionist style.
Sargent painted a series of three portraits of Robert Louis Stevenson. The second, Portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson and his Wife (1885), was one of his best known.
During the greater part of Sargent's career, he created roughly 900 oil paintings and more than 2,000 watercolours, as well as countless sketches and charcoal drawings. About 1910 Sargent forsook portrait painting and focused on landscapes in his later years; he also sculpted later in life. As a concession to the insatiable demand of wealthy patrons for portraits, however, he continued to dash off rapid charcoal portrait sketches for them, which he called "Mugs". Forty-six of these, spanning the years 1890-1916, were exhibited at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 1916.
In a time when the art world focused, in turn, on Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism, Sargent practiced his own form of Realism, which brilliantly referenced Velazquez, Van Dyck, and Gainsborough. His seemingly effortless facility for paraphrasing the masters in a contemporary fashion led to a stream of commissioned portraits of remarkable virtuosity. Thus, he was dismissed as an anachronism at the time of his death, but appreciation of his art has since grown steadily, especially following a retrospective exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1986.
John Singer Sargent is interred in Brookwood Cemetery near Woking, Surrey.
Relationships
Sargent developed a close friendship with fellow painter Paul Cesar Helleu. They met in Paris in 1878 when Singer was 22 and Helleu was 18. Sargent painted both Helleu and his wife Alice on several occasions.
Sargent was extremely private regarding his personal life, although the painter Jacques-Emile Blanche, who was one of his early sitters, said after his death that Sargent's sex life "was notorious in Paris, and in Venice, positively scandalous. He was a frenzied bugger." The truth of this may never be established. However most scholars now presume he was homosexual; not only because of his personal associations (such as with Prince Edmond de Polignac and Count Robert de Montesquiou), but because of the way his sensibility shaped his art. This includes not only the sensuality of his male nudes (most particularly his portrait of Thomas E. McKeller), but also the exotic 'otherness' implicit in his general work. It is been suggested that it was this quality which appealed to the sympathies of his many Jewish clients which he painted in the 1890s.
Biography and work
Sargent's portraits subtly capture the individuality and personality of the sitters; his most ardent admirers think he is matched in this only by Diego Velazquez, who was one of Sargent's great influences. The Spanish master's spell is apparent in Sargent's The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, 1882, a haunting interior which echoes Velazquez' Las Meninas. Sargent's Portrait of Madame X, done in 1884, is now considered one of his best works, and was the artist's personal favorite. However, at the time it was unveiled in Paris at the 1884 Salon, it aroused such a negative reaction that it prompted Sargent to move to London. Many years before the Mme. X. scandal of 1884, he painted exotic beauties such as Rosina Ferrara of Capri, and the Spanish expatriate model, Carmela Bertagna.
Although Sargent lived in the United States for less than one year, some of his best work is in the U.S., including his decorations for the Boston Public Library. He also completed portraits of two U.S. presidents: Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
Sargent is usually not thought of as an Impressionist painter, but he sometimes used impressionistic techniques to great effect, and his Claude Monet Painting at the Edge of a Wood is rendered in his own version of the impressionist style.
Sargent painted a series of three portraits of Robert Louis Stevenson. The second, Portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson and his Wife (1885), was one of his best known.
During the greater part of Sargent's career, he created roughly 900 oil paintings and more than 2,000 watercolours, as well as countless sketches and charcoal drawings. About 1910 Sargent forsook portrait painting and focused on landscapes in his later years; he also sculpted later in life. As a concession to the insatiable demand of wealthy patrons for portraits, however, he continued to dash off rapid charcoal portrait sketches for them, which he called "Mugs". Forty-six of these, spanning the years 1890-1916, were exhibited at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 1916.
In a time when the art world focused, in turn, on Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism, Sargent practiced his own form of Realism, which brilliantly referenced Velazquez, Van Dyck, and Gainsborough. His seemingly effortless facility for paraphrasing the masters in a contemporary fashion led to a stream of commissioned portraits of remarkable virtuosity. Thus, he was dismissed as an anachronism at the time of his death, but appreciation of his art has since grown steadily, especially following a retrospective exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1986.
John Singer Sargent is interred in Brookwood Cemetery near Woking, Surrey.
Relationships
Sargent developed a close friendship with fellow painter Paul Cesar Helleu. They met in Paris in 1878 when Singer was 22 and Helleu was 18. Sargent painted both Helleu and his wife Alice on several occasions.
Sargent was extremely private regarding his personal life, although the painter Jacques-Emile Blanche, who was one of his early sitters, said after his death that Sargent's sex life "was notorious in Paris, and in Venice, positively scandalous. He was a frenzied bugger." The truth of this may never be established. However most scholars now presume he was homosexual; not only because of his personal associations (such as with Prince Edmond de Polignac and Count Robert de Montesquiou), but because of the way his sensibility shaped his art. This includes not only the sensuality of his male nudes (most particularly his portrait of Thomas E. McKeller), but also the exotic 'otherness' implicit in his general work. It is been suggested that it was this quality which appealed to the sympathies of his many Jewish clients which he painted in the 1890s.
272 Sargent Paintings
![Autumn Leaves, 1913 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent244.jpg)
Autumn Leaves 1913
Oil Painting
$712
$712
Canvas Print
$59.42
$59.42
SKU: SAR-15383
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 56 x 71 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 56 x 71 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
![Louise, Duchess of Connaught, 1908 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent245.jpg)
Louise, Duchess of Connaught 1908
Oil Painting
$980
$980
Canvas Print
$51.28
$51.28
SKU: SAR-15384
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 163.7 x 109.8 cm
The Royal Collection, London, United Kingdom
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 163.7 x 109.8 cm
The Royal Collection, London, United Kingdom
![Arthur, Duke of Connaught, 1908 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent246.jpg)
Arthur, Duke of Connaught 1908
Oil Painting
$938
$938
Canvas Print
$51.01
$51.01
SKU: SAR-15385
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 163.8 x 110.2 cm
The Royal Collection, London, United Kingdom
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 163.8 x 110.2 cm
The Royal Collection, London, United Kingdom
![Nancy Astor, 1906 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent247.jpg)
Nancy Astor 1906
Oil Painting
$1002
$1002
SKU: SAR-15386
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: unknown
Public Collection
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: unknown
Public Collection
![Mrs. Wilton Phipps, c.1884 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent248.jpg)
Mrs. Wilton Phipps c.1884
Oil Painting
$922
$922
Canvas Print
$54.59
$54.59
SKU: SAR-15387
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 89 x 64.8 cm
Private Collection
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 89 x 64.8 cm
Private Collection
![Marionettes, 1903 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent249.jpg)
Marionettes 1903
Oil Painting
$803
$803
SKU: SAR-15388
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 72.4 x 52 cm
Private Collection
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 72.4 x 52 cm
Private Collection
![Edouard Pailleron, 1879 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent250.jpg)
Edouard Pailleron 1879
Oil Painting
$910
$910
SKU: SAR-15389
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 127 x 94 cm
Museum of Palace of Versailles, Paris, France
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 127 x 94 cm
Museum of Palace of Versailles, Paris, France
![Venetian Bead Stringers, c.1880/82 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent251.jpg)
Venetian Bead Stringers c.1880/82
Oil Painting
$749
$749
SKU: SAR-15390
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 66.8 x 78.2 cm
Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 66.8 x 78.2 cm
Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, USA
![Vernon Lee, 1881 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent252.jpg)
Vernon Lee 1881
Oil Painting
$624
$624
Canvas Print
$58.15
$58.15
SKU: SAR-15391
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 53.7 x 43.2 cm
Tate Gallery, London, United Kingdom
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 53.7 x 43.2 cm
Tate Gallery, London, United Kingdom
![Dr Pozzi at Home, 1881 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent253.jpg)
Dr Pozzi at Home 1881
Oil Painting
$976
$976
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: SAR-15392
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 204.5 x 111.6 cm
Private Collection
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 204.5 x 111.6 cm
Private Collection
![Edith, Lady Playfair (Edith Russell), 1884 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent254.jpg)
Edith, Lady Playfair (Edith Russell) 1884
Oil Painting
$983
$983
SKU: SAR-15393
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 152 x 98.4 cm
Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 152 x 98.4 cm
Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts, USA
![Izme Vickers, 1907 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent255.jpg)
Izme Vickers 1907
Oil Painting
$998
$998
SKU: SAR-15394
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 146 x 95.2 cm
Private Collection
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 146 x 95.2 cm
Private Collection
![The Pink Dress, 1912 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent256.jpg)
The Pink Dress 1912
Oil Painting
$629
$629
SKU: SAR-15395
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 54 x 66 cm
Private Collection
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 54 x 66 cm
Private Collection
![Venetian Water Carriers, c.1880/82 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent257.jpg)
Venetian Water Carriers c.1880/82
Oil Painting
$714
$714
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: SAR-15396
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: unknown
Worcester Art Museum, Massachusetts, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: unknown
Worcester Art Museum, Massachusetts, USA
![Judith Gautier (A Gust of Wind), 1883 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent258.jpg)
Judith Gautier (A Gust of Wind) 1883
Oil Painting
$582
$582
SKU: SAR-16829
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 61 x 38 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 61 x 38 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
![Miss Mathilde Townsend, 1907 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent259.jpg)
Miss Mathilde Townsend 1907
Oil Painting
$1009
$1009
Canvas Print
$50.46
$50.46
SKU: SAR-17744
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 152.7 x 101.6 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 152.7 x 101.6 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
![Miss Grace Woodhouse, 1890 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent260.jpg)
Miss Grace Woodhouse 1890
Oil Painting
$1006
$1006
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: SAR-17745
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 163 x 94 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 163 x 94 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
![Ellen Peabody Endicott (Mrs. William Crowninshield Endicott), 1901 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent261.jpg)
Ellen Peabody Endicott (Mrs. William ... 1901
Oil Painting
$1121
$1121
Canvas Print
$52.94
$52.94
SKU: SAR-17746
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 163 x 114.3 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 163 x 114.3 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
![Peter Widener, 1902 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent262.jpg)
Peter Widener 1902
Oil Painting
$1058
$1058
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: SAR-17747
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 149 x 98.4 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 149 x 98.4 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
![Pavement, Cairo, 1891 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent263.jpg)
Pavement, Cairo 1891
Oil Painting
$641
$641
Canvas Print
$62.59
$62.59
SKU: SAR-17748
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 48.3 x 58.4 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 48.3 x 58.4 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
![Valdemosa, Majorca: Thistles and Herbage on a Hillside, 1908 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent264.jpg)
Valdemosa, Majorca: Thistles and Herbage on a Hillside 1908
Oil Painting
$1157
$1157
Canvas Print
$58.73
$58.73
SKU: SAR-17749
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 55.8 x 71 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 55.8 x 71 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
![Mary Crowninshield Endicott Chamberlain (Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain), 1902 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent265.jpg)
Mary Crowninshield Endicott Chamberlain (Mrs. ... 1902
Oil Painting
$1168
$1168
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: SAR-17750
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 150.5 x 83.8 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 150.5 x 83.8 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
![Man Wearing Laurels, c.1874/80 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent266.jpg)
Man Wearing Laurels c.1874/80
Oil Painting
$665
$665
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: SAR-18006
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 44.5 x 33.5 cm
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 44.5 x 33.5 cm
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California, USA
![Betty Wertheimer, 1908 by Sargent | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/John_Singer_Sargent/paintings-lg/sargent267.jpg)
Betty Wertheimer 1908
Oil Painting
$1331
$1331
Canvas Print
$58.18
$58.18
SKU: SAR-18166
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 128.3 x 100 cm
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, USA
John Singer Sargent
Original Size: 128.3 x 100 cm
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, USA