Remarkably simple, yet exquisitely polished, this portrait completely changed modern portraiture. Sargent himself stated that he believed it to be the “best thing [he had] done”, a statement that many would agree with. Ironically, at the time this incredible painting was first on view at the Paris Salon, it did not elevate Sargent’s reputation; rather, it proved detrimental to his career in Paris. At the time the portrait was shown, the gown of the subject was considered to be scandalous, for it originally showed one of the dress’s straps as slipping off the subject’s shoulder. This was thought to be so outrageous that, instead of becoming renowned for his artistic abilities, Sargent became infamous for painting such an indecent portrait. Though Sargent painted over the shoulder to move the strap back to its rightful position, the damage to his name was already done, and no amends could be made. Even Madame Gautreau, a woman known for behavior that was on the brink of passing what was considered to be acceptable socially, was embarrassed by the negative attention the portrait received, and, thus, her name was removed from the
Remarkably simple, yet exquisitely polished, this portrait completely changed modern portraiture. Sargent himself stated that he believed it to be the “best thing [he had] done”, a statement that many would agree with. Ironically, at the time this incredible painting was first on view at the Paris Salon, it did not elevate Sargent’s reputation; rather, it proved detrimental to his career in Paris. At the time the portrait was shown, the gown of the subject was considered to be scandalous, for it originally showed one of the dress’s straps as slipping off the subject’s shoulder. This was thought to be so outrageous that, instead of becoming renowned for his artistic abilities, Sargent became infamous for painting such an indecent portrait. Though Sargent painted over the shoulder to move the strap back to its rightful position, the damage to his name was already done, and no amends could be made. Even Madame Gautreau, a woman known for behavior that was on the brink of passing what was considered to be acceptable socially, was embarrassed by the negative attention the portrait received, and, thus, her name was removed from the