John Singer Sargent 1856-1925

Cruising through the internet this morning - as you do!  - I came across a mention of John Singer Sargent, a painter I have long admired and, being of a generous disposition, I thought I would share some of his creations with you - no, no, thanks are not required just the usual 'readies' in a plain brown envelope!

Of course, I must start with one of his most famous, what I call 'the lady in black', with I suspect in my fevered imagination, matching underwear!

The painting was entitled "Madame X" but the lady was Madame Pierre Gautreau.  In my view, she is not a great beauty but, dammit, she's hot!

This one is called "Group with Parasols (or A Siesta)", although I would be tempted to rename it as "Pheeeeew, what a party!"

Now here's as fine a collection of total tosspots as you could ever wish to avoid:

"General Officers of World War I".  What did we ever do to deserve that lot?!  Is JSS being a tad satirical?  Surely not!

Now this one, "Gassed", is anything but satirical.  I have seen the original in the Imperial War Museum and I stood before it in silence, and nearly in tears, for ages:

Alas, I have had to shrink the size in order to fit it to the screen but if you can, look it up on the net and examine the detail.  In my humble and not very expert opinion, a truly great painting.

Now this next one is gorgeous but also technically brilliant:

How he managed all those contrasting perspectives, including the curved arches, is extraordinary.  If you think it's easy, just try and draw buildings in perspective and see how you get on!

I will finish with this very simple (well, relatively simple!) picture because I have a print of it hanging on my wall.

So simple(!) and yet the composition, with the passageway disappearing into the distance and the time spent recreating the patina on the walls is superb.  I love that picture - not his greatest - but it fascinates me.  What are those two ladies gossiping about!

 

https://www.johnsingersargent.org/the-complete-works.html?pageno=13

 

 

Comments

[mike fowle]

Very interesting and informative. "Gassed", I read, is currently on tour in North America returning to the IWM in late 2018. Thanks, David.

[AussieD]

"Gassed" when I saw it many years ago had the same effect on me. Not least because my grandfather got a dose of it in France and while he survived long enough for me to remember him it finally killed him as it damaged his lungs terribly.

Thanks for the link Duffers. Some really great paintings in there.

[Whitewall]

The lady in black is truly elegant and is a fine figure of a woman to boot! That final painting, "what are those two ladies gossiping about"...my bet is a third lady who has just walked away.

[David Duff]

You're a shrewd judge, Whiters!

[Whitewall]

Why thanky Sir! I like to think my take on women far exceeds my take on art.

[David Duff]

I like to think that, too, but when I casually drop it into the conversation the 'Memsahib' just smiles - but says nothing!

[TheBigHenry]

"... - but says nothing!"

This is one way they perpetuate their mystique and their allure. They have other ways, of course :)

I have it on good authority that what women want is what men are incapable of giving — understanding. That is the proverbial spice of life.

[Whitewall]

Henry, you could be right! Another difference comes down to "want". A woman wants a man who can satisfy her needs. A man however, wants every woman who can satisfy one need. I don't detect any women here today so I may be safe.

[JK]

Beware Mayfly Whiters ... very likely Andra too.

(Reason I mention Andra Whitewall might, perhaps, be obtained by what is absent on the below comment thread. ... You'll not, I trust Whitewall, attract any unwarranted observations owing to "somebody's" not showing up?)

http://duffandnonsense.typepad.com/duff_nonsense/2014/01/a-tit-or-two-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away.html

Take that John Singer!

[Whitewall]

JK...Keep your voice down!

[TheBigHenry]

WW,

Keeping your voice down is easy by comparison ... Just sayin'.
______________

JK,

The only part I didn't understand is how it manages to keep your pulse rate down.

[TheBigHenry]

BTW, if my wife asks, please tell her that I only read the article!

[Whitewall]

Henry
10-4

[JK]

Henry,

You're supposed to (as I understand) just look and think "pure thoughts."

Pure thoughds Henry. That's kee.

[TheBigHenry]

JK,

I, TBH, always have pure thoughts. My little head, however, has a mind of his own. He always stands up for what he believes.