John Singer Sargent in his studio, ca. 1884
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John Singer Sargent - Portrait of Madame X (1884)
Madame X is Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau. Originally her right shoulder strap was down, which, combined with her sexy pose, caused a scandal when the painting was exhibited at the Paris Salon, ruining Sargent's career in France. Later, Sargent overpainted the shoulder strap to raise it up and make it look more securely fastened.
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Reproduction of the original painting
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Amazing pictures! How scandalous!
ReplyDeleteThat Madame X again. Sargent was quite a character by all accounts. I'm reading some of his accounts of his time in Venice at the moment (along with Henry James and Whistler).
ReplyDeleteSargent is one of my favorite artists. I love his work and enjoyed seeing this photo of Sargent in his studio.
ReplyDeleteStrange to think of the French getting upset about a low fronted dress and a dress strap.
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