John Singer Sargent

Painter

Birthday January 12, 1856

Birth Sign Capricorn

Birthplace Florence, Italy

DEATH DATE Apr 14, 1925 (69)

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About

American painter, portrait artist, and muralist whose best-known works included "Portrait of Madame X" and "El Jaleo." He was admired for his depictions of the luxuries of the Edwardian era.

Before Fame

He showed a childhood interest in art and often copied the drawings he found in The Illustrated London News. He studied under the famed Carolus-Duran and also passed the exam that admitted him into the École des Beaux-Arts.

Trivia

His "Portrait of Madame X" was so controversial that it derailed his portraiture career in Paris.

Family Life

He was born to American expatriate parents FitzWilliam Sargent, an eye surgeon, and Mary Singer. His delivery occurred in Italy because his family was forced to stop there because of a cholera epidemic.

Associated With

He greatly admired the works of Michelangelo , Titian, and Tintoretto.