The Restless Modernism of John Singer Sargent

About the Class

John Singer Sargent was a leading portrait painter of his generation. An American living in Paris, he became known for his sensuous portrayals of society style icons like Madame X, blending realism with impressionist techniques. But where does Sargent fit in the history of modern art?

This course opens with an introduction to Sargent’s work, beginning with his early training in Paris. We’ll zoom in on the painter’s dazzling surfaces, tracing the evolution of his technique and examining the reception of his canvases in both Europe and the United States. Then, we’ll delve into Sargent’s later portraits, the more mature works produced in London during a period one critic dubbed his “restless universe.” In these paintings, the artist presents his subjects in an agitated state, almost in conflict with their own clothing. We’ll explore this restlessness in connection to 19th-century scientific thought and the tensions of the modern era. Sargent’s own restlessness was well known among his friends. Who better to capture this quality than a painter of uncertain nationality, ambiguous social standing, and carefully veiled sexuality?

The class is online-only. More about online classes.

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Barnes classes will:

• Sharpen your observational and critical thinking skills.
• Improve your ability to communicate about art.
• Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.

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What Our Students Say

“The instructor is a gifted individual who is able to [engage] with all different kinds of learners and motivate us to want to learn more, see more, and experience more. I would highly recommend any course by this instructor.” —Collection Concentration: Medieval Modern with Kaelin Jewell

“Martha Lucy knows how to balance her lecture with fact, excellent painting selections, and inclusion of the students.” —The Art and Life of Toulouse-Lautrec with Martha Lucy

“The best class to understand the elements of art. The instructor’s expertise and warmth, along with the excellent discussions with my classmates, made it a truly wonderful experience.” —The Elements of Art with William Perthes

“This class offered rich insight into Picasso and his contemporaries—the gallery scene, turn-of-the-century politics, Catalan culture, along with Picasso’s approach to composition and contemporary European culture. It was so informative.” —Picasso in Focus: New Discoveries at the Barnes with Christine Romano and Naina Saligram

“Caterina loves the material she presents and infuses all her classes—of which I have taken many—with that infectious enthusiasm.” —Rendez-vous au Café: Café Culture in 19th-Century Art with Caterina Pierre