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Biography
Who was John Singer Sargent?
Born in Florence, Italy
1856
Died in London, United Kingdom
1925
Age at death
69
Works on this page
12
Museums to visit
5
John Singer Sargent was an American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Belle Époque and Edwardian-era luxury. He made roughly 900 oil paintings and more than 2,000 watercolors, as well as countless sketches and charcoal drawings. His oeuvre documents worldwide travel, from Venice to the Tyrol, Corfu, Capri, Spain, the Middle East, Montana, Maine, and Florida.From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The life and work of John Singer Sargent
John Singer Sargent was born in Florence to wealthy parents and travelled widely from an early age. His painting was heavily influenced by the Old Masters, particularly Velázquez and Frans Hals. He mingled with many of the Impressionist painters but Singer’s style, containing elements of both Impressionism and Naturalism was viewed with suspicion by many; only Monet saw value in his work and the two became close friends. Singer made his name with his portraits of influential society figures, remarkable for the elegance and luxury he captures with his superb brushwork. In 1907, however, he tired of the portraits profession preferring to concentrate on his landscape watercolours.
In 1890 he began working on a series of oils on canvas for the Public Library and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. These allegorical works were followed by works with themes drawn from classical mythology. These Symbolist paintings were to be completed just before his death and sadly did little to enhance his reputation. The painting ‘Gassed’ (1918), on the other hand, provoked by the First World War and which he painted as an Official War Artist is extraordinarily powerful and is still highly regarded.
When was John Singer Sargent born and when did he die?
John Singer Sargent was born on 12 January 1856 in Florence, Italy and died on 15 April 1925 in London, United Kingdom, aged 69.
What nationality was John Singer Sargent?
John Singer Sargent was American.
What art movement was John Singer Sargent part of?
John Singer Sargent is associated with Impressionism.
What are John Singer Sargent's most famous works?
Well-known works by John Singer Sargent include Madame X (Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau), Carnation, Lily, Lily and Rose, The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, Gassed and The Wyndham Sisters: Lady Elcho, Mrs. Adeane, and Mrs. Tennant.
Where can I see John Singer Sargent's art?
Museums holding the works on this page include Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York); Tate (London); Museum of Fine Arts Boston (Boston); Imperial War Museum London (London); Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston). Check with each museum that a work is on display before you visit.
