John Singer Sargent, the ultimate rock star of the art world from the late 19th to early 20th century, wowed everyone with his painting prowess. He was the Taylor Swift of his time but with a paintbrush instead of a guitar. We’ll dive into 10 of his most famous paintings and have some fun exploring each one.
1. Portrait of Madame X (1884)
| Date Completed | 1884 |
| Dimensions | 92.1 x 43.2 inches |
| Location | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
Let’s kick things off with a bang – “Portrait of Madame X.” This one’s like a superstar’s jaw-dropping red carpet appearance. In 1884, Sargent painted Madame Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau, a Parisian socialite, looking oh-so-alluring. It was a scandalous moment when unveiled, thanks to that bare shoulder strap that had people clutching their pearls. The painting now resides at The Met in New York, where it continues to drop jaws.
2. Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose (1885-1886)
| Date Completed | 1885-1886 |
| Dimensions | 174 x 153 cm |
| Location | Tate Britain, London |
Now, let’s switch gears from the red carpet to a magical garden party. “Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose” is like the coolest backyard soirée, painted between 1885 and 1886. This Sargent’s masterpiece pictures two little party animals lighting Japanese lanterns at dusk in a lush garden. This masterpiece resides at the Tate Britain in London, where it’s still the life of the artistic party.
3. The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit (1882)
| Date Completed | 1882 |
| Dimensions | 87.6 x 87.6 inches |
| Location | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston |
Next up, “The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit.” It’s not just a portrait; it’s a family photo on steroids. Sargent finished this bad boy in 1882, and it’s a whopping 87.6 inches by 87.6 inches. You can find it at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where it takes up quite a bit of wall space. It’s like the original family-sized painting.
4. El Jaleo (1882)
| Date Completed | 1882 |
| Dimensions | 111 x 227 inches |
| Location | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston |
Get ready for some Spanish flair with “El Jaleo.” Sargent painted this passionate dancer in 1882, and it’s a grand 111 x 227 inches! The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is where this masterpiece struts its stuff. You can practically feel the rhythm of the dance just by looking at it.
5. Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1922)
| Date Completed | 1922 |
| Dimensions | 39.37 x 31.97 inches |
| Location | Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh |
“Lady Agnew of Lochnaw” is like the best Instagram portrait, but from 1922. This painting of Lady Agnew is all about introspection. Sargent nailed it, right down to the 39.37 x 31.97-inch canvas. It now resides at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh, where Lady Agnew’s portrait still gets all the likes.
6. Portrait of Dr. Samuel Jean Pozzi at Home (1881)
| Date Completed | 1881 |
| Dimensions | 77.5 x 50.4 inches |
| Location | Private Collection |
Time for a house call! “Portrait of Dr. Samuel Jean Pozzi at Home” is like a fancy house tour, 1881-style. Sargent’s meticulous detail in this 77.5 x 50.4-inch masterpiece is a sight to behold. You won’t find this one in a museum; it’s tucked away in a private collection, probably decorating a lavish living room.
7. Ena and Betty, Daughters of Asher and Mrs. Wertheimer (1901)
| Date Completed | 1901 |
| Dimensions | 60.25 x 60.25 inches |
| Location | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
“Ena and Betty, Daughters of Asher and Mrs. Wertheimer” is like a double scoop of ice cream – twice as delightful. Painted in 1901, it’s a 60.25 x 60.25-inch delight. You can spot this charming duo at The Met in New York, where they still seem ready to jump out of the frame and start playing.
8. A Venetian Woman in a Gondola (c. 1880)
| Date Completed | c. 1880 |
| Dimensions | 20.2 x 27.1 inches |
| Location | Private Collection |
Now, we’re off to Venice with “A Venetian Woman in a Gondola.” This drawing from around 1880 is like a mini-vacation. Sargent captures the essence of Venice in just 20.2 x 27.1 inches. You won’t find this in a public gallery, though; it’s in a private collection, likely reminding someone of their Venetian escapades.
9. Claude Monet Painting by the Edge of a Wood (1885)
| Date Completed | 1885 |
| Dimensions | 21.5 x 25.5 inches |
| Location | Tate Britain, London |
Ever wonder what it’s like to catch a fellow artist in the act? “Claude Monet Painting by the Edge of a Wood” is like that candid shot of your friend taking a selfie. Sargent painted it in the year 1885, and it’s a neat 21.5 x 25.5 inches. Find this gem at Tate Britain in London, where it’s probably making visitors feel like they’re in on Monet’s artistic process.
10. Robert Louis Stevenson and His Wife (1885)
| Date Completed | 1885 |
| Dimensions | 64 x 49.2 inches |
| Location | Private Collection |
And finally, “Robert Louis Stevenson and His Wife” is like a romantic movie poster, but in a painting. Painted in 1885, it’s 64 x 49.2 inches of artistic love. This one’s in a private collection, adding a touch of romance to some lucky art collector’s home.
Artwork Spotlight: Study off Newport, Rhode Island
John Singer Sargent’s “Study off Newport Rhode Island” is available on Singulart. It captures a serene maritime scene, showcasing his mastery of light and atmosphere. This piece reflects his ability to blend realism with impressionistic techniques, emphasizing the beauty of the coastal landscape.
Are you looking for an artwork from John Singer Sargent?
Besides this original piece, Singulart offers a curated collection of artworks inspired by John Singer Sargent. If you’re searching for more John Singer Sargent painting or similar works to purchase, click on the artwork or the button below to explore further!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many paintings did John Singer Sargent have?
Throughout his career, he produced almost 2,000 watercolor paintings, about 900 oil paintings, and countless charcoal and pen drawings.
What does John Singer Sargent paint?
His status as a global celebrity peaked in the late 1890s and early 1900s. During that period, Sargent made portraits of notable people, including novelist Henry James, actress Dame Ellen Terry, and Theodore Roosevelt. By 1910, Sargent had given up painting portraits and was concentrating on murals and landscapes.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – 10 amazing Sargent masterpieces that bring art to life with a dash of humor and a whole lot of creativity. From jaw-dropping scandals to magical gardens, Sargent’s work continues to enchant and inspire art lovers around the world.
