Log In

Home
    - Create Journal
    - Update
    - Download

Scribbld
    - News
    - Paid Accounts
    - Invite
    - To-Do list
    - Contributors

Customize
    - Customize
    - Create Style
    - Edit Style

Find Users
    - Random!
    - By Region
    - By Interest
    - Search

Edit ...
    - User Info
    - Settings
    - Your Friends
    - Old Entries
    - Userpics
    - Password

Need Help?
    - Password?
    - FAQs
    - Support Area


61_keys_to_play ([info]61_keys_to_play) wrote in [info]artists,
@ 2009-01-15 11:18:00


Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Weekly Art History Lesson!
I'm going to try something new here, and begin posting a new art history lesson each week, just because I'm an art history major, and that's something fun I can enjoy... Hopefully you guys will get something out of it too!




John Singer Sargent's Portrait of Madame X, 1884.

You are now viewing one controversial painting! Rumored to be of American ex-pat Virginie Gautreau, who lived in Paris, this painting was a big shock when exhibited in the Paris Salon of 1884, partially for it's subject matter (and the decolletage of the subject matter!). The original painting had one strap of the gown falling over the subject's shoulder, leading to scandal (and the request for the painting to be removed from exhibition by Virginie's mother). Later, Sargent "fixed" the strap (as we see it today), and x-ray analysis of the painting has been able to uncover it's original position. Unfortunately, even this did not help Sargent, and he ended up not receiving the success and acclaim he had hoped for with this large portrait - a long-term career in Paris was always out of his grasp, and eventually the American painter left for London and other parts of the globe seeking success.

The Portrait of Madame X we see here was eventually sold to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York by Sargent, though an unfinished duplicate painting of the same pose (with fallen shoulder strap on the gown) is in the Tate Gallery in London as well. When writing to the director of the Metropolitan Museum, Sargent said: "I suppose it is the best thing I have ever done."

This painting is now revered as one of the most famous John Singer Sargent pieces ever made, and is a personal favorite of mine. You can learn more about the Portrait of Madame X here, and more about the painter, John Singer Sargent, here.


(Post a new comment)


[info]kuroitenshi
2009-01-15 06:45 pm UTC (link)
That's very interesting, when I looked at the image I knew something was off about it. I think it's sad but not unlike artists to try and change something to please the masses.

(Reply to this)(Thread)


[info]61_keys_to_play
2009-01-15 07:11 pm UTC (link)
Yeah, I've seen the x-ray images, and the fallen strap seems way more natural on the painting than the "fix" does to me as well. I suppose any working artist has to please someone in order to make money on their craft, but considering it was not a commissioned piece, it seems sad that it was altered.

I haven't gotten a chance to welcome you to the community yet, but welcome!

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]kuroitenshi
2009-01-15 07:17 pm UTC (link)
*nods nods* Artists have been given the shaft for too long.

Thanks~ I have no idea what I'll put up here. I do a lot of anime/manga style art and I just started work on a new comic.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]61_keys_to_play
2009-01-15 07:22 pm UTC (link)
I'm just beginning my foray into anime and manga, so I would love to see your work, and anything else you'd like to contribute here is great! It's always exciting for me to see what other people are up to, and I have found it helps keep me motivated to have people to share work with - I suppose that's why this place is here! :)

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]kuroitenshi
2009-01-15 07:30 pm UTC (link)
*nods nods* I'll see about a post today, cant it be linked to other places? Would you personally like to see original characters or fanart?

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]61_keys_to_play
2009-01-15 07:41 pm UTC (link)
You can link us anywhere you have your work, but I'd encourage you to use the introduction form on our user info as a basis. Feel free to take out any sections that don't apply, or add to it all you want. Make it your own!

I'd love to see your original characters, though fanart is good too - I don't know what particular things you are a fan of, so I suppose that's a good way to find out. :)

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]kuroitenshi
2009-01-15 07:45 pm UTC (link)
Oh I will, thank you for reminding me.

Mostly Sailormoon, then a few other series. I've just haven't had the love to draw any other fanart than SM anymore.

(Reply to this)(Parent)




scribbld is part of the horse.13 network
Design by Jimmy B.
Logo created by hitsuzen.
Scribbld System Status