Many people find John Singer Sargent's work to be very appealing, but this isn't always the case. He has received sometimes-contradictory criticism both in his own time and now. What makes Sargent's work so compelling?
Category: American Art
The Mysterious Daughters of Edward Darley Boit
John Singer Sargent's 1882 painting The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit is compelling and a bit mysterious. While reading Erica Hirshler's book about the painting, I learned that interpretations of the work have changed over time, and Sargent's contemporaries didn't read the same tone into it that we do.
The War of Art: A John Singer Sargent Fun Fact
A little backstory on John Singer Sargent's portrait of French siblings Edouard and Marie-Louise Pailleron. In this unusual case, animosity between the artist and one of the sitters made for surprisingly effective painting.
Edwin Austin Abbey (DailyArt Magazine)
After enjoying two spectacular Shakespeare paintings by American artist Edwin Austin Abbey, I was inspired to write an article about him for DailyArt Magazine.
Charles Santore (DailyArt Magazine)
An article about American illustrator Charles Santore, which I wrote for DailyArt Magazine in time with an exhibition at the Woodmere Art Museum (Spring 2018).
A Review of the Montclair Art Museum
The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is a small museum focused on American art. It has a lovely atmosphere, and I visit at least once a year. Learn why I enjoy it in and what I saw on my most recent visit.
William the Hippopotamus Makes a New Friend
Conversation Between Two Hippos pairs the Met's famous mascot, William, with a 1936 adaptation by Carl Walters. As a big William fan, I was so excited to see the two hippos displayed together in the Metropolitan's ancient Egyptian wing.
Thomas Cole’s Journey: Atlantic Crossings
Thomas Cole's Journey: Atlantic Crossings just opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and I was one of the first people to see it. The show presents Cole within the landscape painting tradition of his native England. I loved the exhibition, and you can find out why in my review.
Violet Oakley at the Woodmere Art Museum
I attended a really interesting lecture and exhibition at the Woodmere Art Museum about the work of Violet Oakley. She was a significant Philadelphia-area painter, illustrator, muralist, and designer. Find out what I learned about her life and art.
John Singer Sargent
An article about Sargent's portraits and thoughts on Strapless, a book about Sargent and Madame X.
