John Singer Sargent, Madame Gautreau, 1884

John Singer Sargent, Madame Gautreau, 1884, originally uploaded by Gatochy.

Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau.

"Research undertaken in 1981 showed that it was not only the sharp-nosed profile, ash-white skin and coral ears of ''Madame X'' that had caused a scandal when Sargent first exhibited the painting at the Paris Salon in 1884. Daringly, and with the sitter's consent, he had depicted Gautreau with one jeweled shoulder strap loosened to reveal naked flesh. The implication was that the lady might be available to men other than her dull and wealthy husband. A sketch for the portrait, in Tate Britain in London, shows that Sargent originally planned to do away with the strap altogether; the Met's portrait, hastily revised after the notorious Salon show, has two straps. Both are in place. The subject's black velvet bodice is thrillingly low -- but secure."

John Singer Sargent [American Painter, 1856-1925]

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