Art History Series: Sargent and Fashion Exhibition at Tate Britain (John Singer Sargent 1856–1925)

Nonchaloir (Repose), 1911, John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent 1856–1925

I'm sure I'll be returning to his work in the future, but for now I wanted to talk briefly about Sargent's wonderful exhibition at the Tate Britain. Unfortunately, there is not much left of it - it ends on July 7th, but I'm sure the lucky ones that saw it were delighted.

As Sargent is an American artist, his presence in European galleries is scarce, and so I find it important that this exhibition reaches our continent. The theme of the exhibition is the combination between his art and fashion and how he, through the impression and choice of clothing of his models, managed to convey a large part of their essence in their sealed appearance. By tugging on a heavy coat he emphasized the masculine figure or with a strap sensuously slipping from a lady’s shoulder he would emphasize his female models’ femininity.

The exhibition presents many different works of his including several preserved fashion outfits that are present in his work so that the viewer can compare the actual garment and how it is captured in the painting. Almost 60 of his works are on display, including famous portraits that rarely travel around the world.

Regards,

Julia

P.S.: You can see some of the exhibited works here: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/john-singer-sargent-475

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Art History Series: Now you see us 1520 – 1920, an exhibition at Tate Britain

Louise Jopling, one of the most prominent female artists of the 19th c, pictured in 1890 Picture: Hulton Deutsch, Getty Images, Corbis

Tate Britain's new exhibition 'Now You See Us' showcases women artists over a period of 400 years - their careers laying the foundations for generations to come. They challenge what it means to be a working woman and go against the grain by risking their position in society as working artists and participating in public exhibitions. You can see 150 works that give a new look at women's creativity, many of which focus on "male" themes such as historical pieces, battle scenes and the nude. Many of these artists have fought hard for equality breaking boundaries and showing what it means to be a lady in the art world.

One of these figures is Louise Jopling, whose first work was added to the gallery's collection after the artist's history had long been neglected.

She is one of the most famous British artists of the 19th century, a suffragette who exhibited her paintings at the Royal Academy and was well received by her contemporaries. But since then, she's been pretty much forgotten, and Tate Britain is trying to fix that by exhibiting three of her pieces. According to the exhibition's curator Tabitha Barber, Jopling's story is what has happened to many women artists over the centuries, namely that "they have been regarded, studied and judged differently".

In 1901, Jopling was accepted into the Royal Society of British Artists, some of her patrons included the Rothschild family, as well as the founders of the Grosvernor Gallery, Sir Coutts and Lady Lindsay. At a time when women were not allowed to be part of the Royal Academy, her work was exhibited and critically acclaimed. They were also well received by the market, selling for some of the highest prices for a female artist, albeit lower than some of her male contemporaries.

In 1843, Jopling married Frank Romer, who later became Baron de Rothschild's private secretary and, after the baroness saw her sketches, encouraged her to pursue formal education. Jopling herself mentioned in an interview that until then "the idea of ​​an artistic career had not crossed her mind. At that time I didn't know of a girl, much less a married woman, studying art."

Other famous figures you may see in the exhibition include: Angelica Kauffman, Mary Beale, Elizabeth Butler and Laura Knight.

I hope we see many more new women who conquer the market.

Regards, Julia

Through The Looking-Glass, 1875, Louise Jopling, acquired by Tate Britain

A Modern Cinderella, 1875, Louise Jopling

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Art History Series: Francois Boucher, Rinaldo and Armida, 1734

Rinaldo and Armida by Francois Boucher, 1734

Francois Boucher (1703 – 1770) Rinaldo and Armida, 1734

    I have already told you about the life of François Boucher, but today I want to show one of his works in particular which I saw at the Louvre. His career as an artist began from early childhood as he received his first training from his artist father at home. One of his paintings came to the attention of a famous artist at the time, François Lemoyne (Royal Painter to Louis XV) when he was 17yo. In 1720 he won the Grand Prix of Rome, but due to financial difficulties with the French school, he did not go until 5 years later. He then returned again to the Académie de peinture et de sculpture, which was under new management and curriculum, and submitted the following picture as his entry work. This is Rinaldo and Armida from 1734.

    The story it tells is from Torquato Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberata from 1581. It tells of the war between the Christians and the Saracens, and when the sorceress Armida is about to kill the sleeping soldier Rinaldo, she falls in love with him and takes him to her magical castle away from the ruin of the world. Boucher, of course, true to his style, shows this epic scene in a very intimate and tender version unlike other artists who used this theme. Impressive work, isn't it?

    Regards,

    Julia

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