John Singer Sargent

Date of Birth: January 12, 1856

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: April 14, 1925

Biography

John Singer Sargent was an American expatriate artist, considered the “leading portrait painter of his generation” for his evocations of Edwardian-era luxury. Born in Florence, Italy, to American parents, Sargent displayed exceptional artistic talent from a young age. He trained in Paris before moving to London, where he established his reputation as a portrait artist. Sargent’s works are characterized by their remarkable technical skill, vibrant brushwork, and insightful psychological depth. Over his career, he produced around 900 oil paintings and more than 2,000 watercolors, as well as countless sketches and charcoal drawings. His most famous works include “Portrait of Madame X” and “Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose.”

5 Interesting Facts about John Singer Sargent

1. John Singer Sargent was multilingual, fluent in English, French, Italian, and German.

2. His controversial painting “Portrait of Madame X” was initially met with scandal but later became one of his most celebrated works.

3. Sargent painted President Theodore Roosevelt and the famed actress Ellen Terry.

4. He was deeply influenced by the works of Velázquez and Frans Hals.

5. Despite his success as a portrait artist, Sargent eventually grew tired of the genre and shifted his focus to landscapes and murals later in his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Singer Sargent

1. “Every time I paint a portrait, I lose a friend.”

2. “A portrait is a painting with something wrong with the mouth.”

3. “I do not judge, I only chronicle.”

4. “I hate to paint a portrait. I hope never to paint another portrait in my life.”

5. “To work is to pray.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Singer Sargent’s net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several million dollars by today’s standards, though exact figures are difficult to ascertain.