An Out of Doors Study

John Singer Sargent, An Out-of-Doors Study, 1889,
depicting Paul César Helleu sketching with his wife Alice Guérin

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

John Singer Sargent (1856–1925); Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose
via Wikipedia

I've run this a few times before but I love it so much that we're getting it again today.

X

"X" by Karin Jurick

I fell in love with John Singer Sargent's paintings when seeing them at the Chicago Art Institute. Clearly I am not alone. For more of Karin Jurick's art, which I know many readers of this blog enjoy, click through the link above.

A Street in Venice

A Street in Venice, John Singer Sargent, 1882

When I think of Sargent the first thing that springs to mind are his wonderful portraits. Of course, he did much more. He's a master of atmosphere.

Madame X

"John Singer Sargent: Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau) (16.53)".
In Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ho/10/na/ho_16.53.htm (October 2006)

You can see why this is so famous.

John Singer Sargent's Theodore Roosevelt

John Singer Sargent, Theodore Roosevelt, 1903

I really love the story that goes with this. It completes the painting for me.

The famous expatriate artist arrived in America in January 1903 and soon received a letter from Roosevelt inviting him to live in the White House during the month of February to work on the portrait....

Together [Sargent and Roosevelt] toured the White House while Sargent looked for proper light and a good pose.... As Roosevelt led the way upstairs, so the story goes, he said, "The trouble with you Sargent, is that you don't know what you want." "No," replied the artist, "the trouble, Mr. President, is that you don't know what a pose means." Roosevelt turned sharply back, grasped the newel-post and snapped, "Don't I!" "Don't move an inch. You've got it now," responded Sargent.

Notes from Kloss, William, et al.
Art in the White House: A Nation's Pride.

Nonchaloir (Repose)

Repose, John Singer Sargent

I love this for that fabulous dress. As always.

The National Gallery of Art has some interesting information including this tidbit.

The woman in Repose is Sargent's niece, Rose–Marie Ormond. In keeping with his newfound preference for informal figure studies, Sargent did not create a traditional portrait; rather, he depicted Rose–Marie as a languid, anonymous figure absorbed in poetic reverie. The reclining woman, casually posed in an atmosphere of elegiac calm and consummate luxury, seems the epitome of nonchalance—the painting's original title. Sargent seems to have been documenting the end of an era, for the lingering aura of fin–de–siècle gentility and elegant indulgence conveyed in Repose would soon be shattered by massive political and social upheaval in the early 20th century.

El Jaleo

El Jaleo, John Singer Sargent
Isabella Gardner Museum

 I found this because I was reading about an exhibition about Sargent and Spain. Isn't it great? It's about 12 feet wide. Imagine the impact that would have on a room.  Read more here.

Corfu: Light and Shadows

John Singer Sargent, Corfu: Light and Shadows, 1909

Dorothy

Dorothy, John Singer Sargeant
Dallas Museum of Art

I love Sargeant's portraits anyway, but this little lady's expression just wins me over every time. She brims with personality.

Turkey in a Courtyard

Turkey in a Courtyard by John Singer Sargent, circa 1879-1880
via J.R.'s Art Place

Worth a Thousand Words: A Street in Venice

John Singer Sargent, A Street in Venice

Worth a Thousand Words: Corner of the Church of San Stae

Corner of the Church of San Stae, Venice; John Singer Sargent

Gone Fishing

John Singer Sargent, Two Girls Fishing, detail, 1912
via Arts Everyday Living

Again, I'm headed out of town, this time to a place where I actually could fish (if I wished, which I don't). To Florida to visit my dear mother!

We won't be dressed like this. Or, as you know, fishing.

But we will be enjoying each other's company, as well as that of Rose who's also going on this outing. We'll be cooking and watching movies, talking about books, and having all sorts of fun.

There are a couple of feast days when I'll have posts for reflection. Enjoy!

I'll be back in a week or so!

Worth a Thousand Words: Ponte San Giuseppe di Castello

Ponte San Giuseppe di Castello, Venice, John Singer Sargent

Worth a Thousand Words: Claude Monet Painting by the Edge of a Wood

Claude Monet Painting by the Edge of a Wood, John Singer Sargent

Worth a Thousand Words: Portrait of John Singer Sargent

Giovanni Boldini, Portrait of John Singer Sargent
circa 1890
via Wikipedia

Not a portrait by Sargent. A portrait of Sargent. For a change.

Worth a Thousand Words: An Artist in His Studio

John Singer Sargent, An Artist in His Studio, 1904

Via Lines and Colors where there are interesting details about this painting which Sargent did of a friend on vacation.