May 25th, 2024

Happy Saturday! It’s been a milestone week for the Rikkar family; my stepson’s high school graduation ceremony is on Sunday. And my daughter wrapped up her 8th grade year and will soon be heading off into the great jungle known as high school.

I’ve become resigned to the fact that life is moving way too fast, and it’s important to celebrate the milestones that you’ll never have again. Even if it’s a small personal win that no one else sees, still take the time to silently reflect on it and where you came from. And when it’s a big one for the loved ones in your life, make it worth remembering. They’ll carry those memories with them for the rest of their life.

In the United States, Monday is Memorial Day to celebrate the members of the armed forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. Initially I wanted to highlight an artist who was also a veteran for this issue, but came across one that had a very unique part to play in World War I that didn’t involve fighting. Let’s jump in.

Artist Spotlight - John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

Career

John Singer Sargent was born on January 12, 1856, in Florence, Italy, to American expatriate parents. His father, FitzWilliam Sargent, was an eye surgeon, and his mother, Mary Newbold Singer, was an amateur artist. The Sargents led a nomadic life, moving across Europe due to Mary’s desire to live in a stimulating and picturesque environment. This itinerant lifestyle exposed young John to diverse cultures and artistic traditions from an early age.

He showed early artistic talent, and his mother encouraged his development. He enrolled at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence and later moved to Paris to study under the esteemed portraitist Carolus-Duran. Carolus-Duran’s atelier was known for its progressive approach, emphasizing direct painting (au premier coup) and the use of a limited palette. Sargent absorbed these techniques, honing his skills in drawing and painting with remarkable speed and precision.

Sargent’s debut at the Paris Salon in 1877 with his painting “Portrait of Carolus-Duran” garnered critical acclaim. He quickly built a reputation for his technical brilliance and sophisticated style. By his mid-20s, he was already a sought-after portraitist among the elite of Europe. His early works, such as “El Jaleo” (1882) and “The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit” (1882), showcased his mastery of composition, light, and color.

In 1884, Sargent exhibited “Portrait of Madame X” at the Paris Salon. The provocative pose and suggestive dress of the subject caused a scandal, damaging his reputation in France. The controversy prompted him to relocate to London, where he sought to rebuild his career.

By the early 1900s, Sargent began to tire of portrait commissions, which he found increasingly burdensome. He shifted his focus to mural painting, receiving significant commissions such as the decorations for the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. These projects allowed him to work on a grand scale and experiment with themes from classical mythology and American history.

During World War I, Sargent was commissioned as a war artist by the British War Memorials Committee. He traveled to the Western Front in 1918 to document the realities of the conflict. The experience profoundly affected him, leading to the creation of his monumental painting “Gassed” (1919). This work depicts the aftermath of a mustard gas attack, with rows of blinded soldiers being led to medical care. The painting’s stark realism and emotional impact make it one of the most powerful artistic records of the war.

In 1918, as World War I neared its end, Sargent was invited to join a group of official war artists. His commission aimed to create a large painting to commemorate the efforts and sacrifices of British and American troops. Sargent traveled to the Western Front with fellow artist Henry Tonks, where he witnessed the devastation and horror of modern warfare firsthand.

Sargent continued to work prolifically until his death on April 14, 1925. He left behind a vast body of work that includes portraits, landscapes, watercolors, and murals.

Contributions to the Art World

Sargent is widely regarded as one of the greatest portrait painters of all time. His portraits are celebrated for their lifelike quality, elegance, and ability to capture the personality and status of his subjects. His technical proficiency, combined with his keen observation skills, allowed him to create works that were both aesthetically pleasing and deeply insightful.

While Sargent is best known for his portraits, he was also highly skilled in other mediums, including watercolors and murals. His watercolors, in particular, showcase his versatility and ability to capture natural light and atmospheric effects with remarkable fluidity and spontaneity. His mural projects, such as those in the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, demonstrate his ability to work on a grand scale and incorporate classical and historical themes into his work.

Although he spent much of his life in Europe, his work had a significant impact on American art. He brought a European sensibility and technical expertise to the American art scene, influencing many American artists and patrons.

His contributions as a war artist during World War I added a crucial dimension to his legacy. His painting “Gassed” is one of the most powerful visual records of the war, depicting the suffering and heroism of soldiers with unflinching realism. This work, along with other wartime pieces, provided a poignant and empathetic portrayal of the human cost of conflict.

Style

Sargent's portraits are known for their lifelike accuracy and detail. He had an exceptional ability to capture the textures of skin, fabrics, and the play of light on different surfaces. While he maintained a realistic approach, he was influenced by the Impressionists, evident in his use of vibrant colors, loose brushwork, and the depiction of light. This influence is particularly noticeable in his landscapes and watercolors.

His landscapes are celebrated for their luminous quality and atmospheric effects. He skillfully captured the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of immediacy and presence. His watercolors, in particular, showcase his ability to convey scenes with fluid, expressive brushstrokes. These works often have a sense of spontaneity and movement.

Sargent often employed a technique known as "au premier coup," or direct painting. This method involves applying paint directly to the canvas without underdrawing or extensive preliminary work. It requires confidence and skill, as it captures the subject in a single session or in a series of rapid sessions.

For certain effects, Sargent utilized glazing (applying thin, transparent layers of paint) and scumbling (using a dry brush to apply a thin, opaque layer) to achieve depth and luminosity. These techniques helped him create the rich textures and subtle tonal variations characteristic of his work.

Influences and Lessons

Carolus-Duran's atelier emphasized direct painting techniques (au premier coup), which encouraged capturing the subject with bold, confident brushstrokes and minimal preliminary drawing. This method had a lasting impact on Sargent’s approach to painting.

Édouard Manet's innovative approach to composition and modern subject matter influenced Sargent, particularly in his willingness to challenge traditional conventions. Manet's use of a bright palette and loose brushwork also resonated with Sargent.

Although not an Impressionist, he was influenced by their focus on capturing fleeting moments and the effects of light. He often incorporated their vibrant color palettes and loose brushwork into his own work, particularly in his landscapes and watercolors.

Style Representation

Collectors Corner - Mina & Mamaralic

Final Thoughts

If you’re one the lucky ones with a three day weekend, I hope you enjoy the hell out of it! I’ll be getting some much needed R&R, time with the fam and maybe enjoying Season 4 of Diablo 4 as well with my minion necromancer.

As always, if you enjoyed this edition I would really appreciate if you shared it. Just hit the share button below. And if you’re not following me on X yet, I’d love to follow you back. I’m also on Warpcast!

On that note, I’ll leave you with a quote that every young person graduating needs to hear (and us old folks too):

Enjoy your weekend, friend!

P.S. If you have feedback I’d love to hear it! A reply to this email goes directly to me.

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