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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THE IMPRESSIONISTS MADE AN IMPRESSION
The Impressionists made an impression in the 1800's that will likely last for centuries. Artists like John Singer Sargent's paintings are so realistic that you feel as though you know his subjects.
This past Sunday, I went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the exhibition, Sargent & Paris. The MET owns Madame X pictured above, but several of the paintings in this exhibit traveled many miles to the walls of this iconic museum.
Sargent and Paris explores 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.
Immersed in a cosmopolitan circle of artists, writers, and patrons, Sargent was able to navigate a successful path through the French exhibition system while achieving acclaim and awards. Beyond the portrait studio, he traveled in search of inspiration for his art—finding subjects in Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and North Africa. This exhibition gathers Sargent’s diverse works from this period to illuminate his path to becoming an artist, which was indelibly shaped by his experiences in the French capital. These visually stunning works provide a compelling view of the Paris art world of the late 19th century.
The iconic Madame X, a beloved highlight of The Met collection, is the culmination of Sargent’s early years in Paris. The exhibition takes 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.
Portrait of Socialite, Virginie Amelie Gautreau
I've seen Sargent's paintings several times, and each time feels like you've never seen them before. They evoke raw emotion. As I looked around the packed gallery, I could hear the whispers of other patrons who were moved by the oil images of the elite of Sargent's world many of whom were friends of Sargent.
One painting that stood out to me was the Portrait of Madame Allouard-Jouan. This sensitive depiction of Sargent's close friend, Emma Allouard-Jouan (1836-1918) was described by novelist Henry James as "a masterly rendering of the look of experience...slightly faded and eminently sensitive and distinguished." Allouard-Jouan was a prolific and successful playwright, translator, and society columnist who moved in the same circles as several of Sargent's friends and patrons, including Edouard Pailleron, Samuel Pozzi, and Judith Gautier whose portraits were also on display. As a journalist, Allouard-Jouan publicized the activities of both Sargent and Virginie Amelie Gautreau; her column was the first to share the news that Sargent was painting a portrait of the famous society beauty. Gautreau would later confide to her that the painting, Madame X, was "a masterpiece." Sargent inscribed this portrait to Allouard-Jouan as "a testimony of friendship."
Portrait of Madame Emma Allouard-Jouan
Portrait of Samual Pozzi
John Singer Sargent was born in Florence, Italy to American parents. Of course he was. His father had hoped that his only son might follow a career in the navy, but it soon became clear that he wanted to train as an artist. He studied briefly at the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Florence, but in May 1874, when he was 18, Sargent went to Paris where the best art education was to be had. The rest is art history.
In a world of instantaneous satisfaction, this exhibit will slow you down and let your imagination run wild.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and Beyond, an art exhibit can take your mind off your problems and into a world of wonder.
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PICK OF THE WEEK - SARGENT & PARIS ART EXHIBIT
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City through August 3, 2025. Visit www.metmuseum.org
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HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK - SARGENT IN PARIS
The Spanish Dancer
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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Dear God,
May you continue to create talented artists. Amen.
Portrait of Margaret Stuyvesant Rutherfurd White
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Who's your favorite impressionist artist?
Please put your answer in the Comment section when I post this article. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.
SONG OF THE WEEK - IF by BREAD
LYRICS
If a picture paints a thousand words
Then why can't I paint you?
The words will never show
The you I've come to know
If a face could launch a thousand ships
Then where am I to go?
There's no one home but you
You're all that's left me too
And when my love for life is running dry
You come and pour yourself on me
If a man could be two places at one time
I'd be with you
Tomorrow and today
Beside you all the way
If the world should stop revolving
Spinning slowly down to die
I'd spend the end with you
And when the world was through
Then one by one the stars would all go out
Then you and I would simply fly away
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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE
My brand, Skylark Live, began when I turned 60 and noticed a profound shift. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness.
Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!
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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day. Saluti!
