![]() ![]() Sargent described her as having the most beautiful lines, and skin of a "uniform lavender or blotting-paper colour all over." Reputedly, she tinted her auburn hair with henna and used chlorate of potash powder to enhance her naturally fair complexion. Sargent worked with obsessive intensity to capture the exotic, even bizarre appearance of Madame Gautreau, an American from New Orleans married to a wealthy Parisian banker. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Arthur Hoppock Hearn Fund, 1916 (16.53) Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), 1883–84. John Singer Sargent (American, 1856–1925). Although many years had passed since its scandalous debut, Sargent had one stipulation, "By the way, I should prefer, on account of the row I had with the lady years ago, that the picture should not be called by her name." Robinson accommodated Sargent and the painting was called Portrait of Madame X. ĭespite living most of his life abroad, Sargent considered himself American and wished for his most significant work to be displayed permanently in America's preeminent museum. "I suppose it is the best thing I have done," John Singer Sargent wrote in 1916 to his longtime friend Edward Robinson, Director of The Metropolitan Museum, offering to sell his portrait of Madame Pierre Gautreau for what was, at the time, a very modest price. ![]() Centeno, Research Scientist, Department of Scientific Research ![]() Dorothy Mahon, Conservator, Department of Paintings Conservation, Silvia A. ![]()
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