.jpg?w=696&resize=696,0&ssl=1 "The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Stunning New John Singer Sargent Exhibition Reveals the Depth Beyond the Scandal of ‘Madame X’")
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The Intriguing Legacy of John Singer Sargent’s Madame X
The iconic painting Madame X, created by John Singer Sargent, holds a special place in the hearts of art lovers, Gilded Age aficionados, and fashion historians. The painting’s controversial unveiling at the Paris Salon in 1884 marks a captivating chapter in art history. Sargent, then just 28, captured the distinct allure of Madame Pierre Gautreau, an American expatriate. The portrait presents her strikingly—from her auburn chignon and sharply defined features to her lavender-toned skin and elegant black gown, notably featuring a jeweled strap that has slid off her shoulder.
However, the initial reaction to the artwork was far from favorable. The depicted pose negatively fueled Gautreau’s already provocative public image, and critics quickly denounced the work. In response to the backlash, Sargent expertly reworked the painting, repositioning the strap to a more traditionally acceptable placement, yet the initial scandal had already taken root.
Years later, in 1915, after retaining the painting for over three decades, Sargent sold Madame X to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The painting has since solidified its status as a significant highlight in the museum’s collection. Stephanie L. Herdrich, the Alice Pratt Brown curator of American painting and drawing at The Met, expresses the ongoing intrigue surrounding the painting, stating, “It’s a portrait that’s so compelling, and people are always so fascinated and want to know more about her.” Over thirty years, Herdrich has dedicated herself to Sargent’s work, referring to herself as the “caretaker, travel companion, and PR rep” for Madame X.
She believes that even though many think they understand the story behind the painting, there exists a wealth of additional narratives to explore.
John Singer Sargent, Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), 1883–84. Oil on canvas. 82 1/8 x 43 1/4 in. (208.6 x 109.9 cm). Arthur Hoppock Hearn Fund, 1916 16.53 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Source
www.vogue.com