Virtual: Sargent & Paris

Presented by Mary Vahey

This talk will explore the early career of American painter John Singer Sargent (1856–1925), from his arrival in Paris in 1874 as a precocious 18-year-old art student through the mid-1880s, when his infamous portrait Madame X was a scandalous success at the Paris Salon. Over the course of one extraordinary decade, Sargent achieved recognition by creating boldly ambitious portraits and figure paintings that pushed the boundaries of conventionality.

The iconic Madame X, a beloved highlight of The Met collection, is the culmination of Sargent’s early years in Paris. The exhibition will take an in-depth look at this captivating portrait and the numerous preparatory sketches, and it will be displayed alongside select portraits of Parisiennes by Sargent’s contemporaries.  Adults only.  Registration required to receive a Zoom link.