John Singer Sargent
Born to American parents in Italy, John Singer Sargent was immediately recognized as a prodigious talent upon his arrival in Paris as a young art student in 1874. At age 24 in 1880, he painted his friend Ramón Subercaseaux, a Chilean diplomat and amateur artist, aboard a Venetian gondola. Even at this young age, Sargent was already capturing the attention of critics and art patrons in Europe and the United States. Earlier that year, Subercaseaux had commissioned Sargent to create a more formal portrait of his wife, Amalia, in their Paris apartment.
The painting we feature today presents a delightful scene of late 19th-century Venetian tourism while also offering a glimpse into Sargent's expansive and diverse social circle. In this vividly colored painting, Sargent portrayed his friend while simultaneously being observed and depicted himself. The artwork provides a fascinating insight into the artistic process, showcasing Subercaseaux as both creator and subject, capturing a unique moment in their friendship and the cultural milieu of the time.
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P.S. Did you know, apart from his famous portraits, Sargent painted numerous watercolors from his many journeys, including Venice? Explore John Singer Sargent's magnificent watercolors! For more stories on Sargent, see the articles below.