Presenting the full range of John Singer Sargent’s work — including his beloved portraits — “John Singer Sargent and Chicago’s Gilded Age” chronicles a never-told story about this celebrated American artist, tracing his Chicago connections and illuminating the city’s vibrant art scene at the turn of the 20th century.
Sargent (1856–1925) became the most sought-after portraitist of his generation on both sides of the Atlantic. Born in Italy to American parents, he traveled the world in search of subjects and worked professionally for more than 50 years creating vibrant, lively paintings.
His assertive portrait of Carmen Dauset (above) commanded the attention of critics and museum-goers when it was displayed at the Art Institute in 1890 and helped put Chicago on the map as a center for contemporary art and culture.
“John Singer Sargent and Chicago’s Gilded Age” is on view at the Art Institute of Chicago through September 30, 2018.
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