John Singer Sargent

Portrait of Mrs Leopold Hirsch

1902

Not on display

Artist: John Singer Sargent 1856–1925
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Unconfirmed: 1450 × 900 mm
frame: 1690 × 1155 × 70 mm
Collection: Lent from a private collection 1994
On long term loan
Reference: L01713

Display caption

At the beginning of this century Sargent was recognised as the outstanding portrait painter in London. His latest commissions were exhibited at the Royal Academy every year. In 1902 he sent to the Academy this portrait of Mrs Leopold Hirsch, the wife of a banker in London. He also showed the three sisters 'The Misses Hunter', displayed now on the end wall of this gallery. His depiction of Mrs Hirsch was praised for its 'simplicity and dignity', and judged to be 'in the true spirit of the old masters'. It is modelled on Velasquez, and the colours of the pink dress and grey lace follow one of the greatest of Velazquez's portraits, 'Phillip IV at Fraga'.

Gallery label, August 2004

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