Early career John Singer Sargent

el jaleo (spanish dancer), c. 1879–82, isabella stewart gardner museum

in 1879, @ age of 23, sargent painted portrait of teacher carolus-duran; virtuoso effort met public approval, , announced direction mature work take. showing @ paris salon both tribute teacher , advertisement portrait commissions. of sargent s work, henry james wrote artist offered uncanny spectacle of talent on threshold of career has nothing more learn.

after leaving carolus-duran s atelier, sargent visited spain. there studied paintings of velázquez passion, absorbing master s technique, , in travels gathered ideas future works. entranced spanish music , dance. trip re-awakened own talent music (which equal artistic talent), , found visual expression in masterpiece el jaleo (1882). music continue play major part in social life well, skillful accompanist of both amateur , professional musicians. sargent became strong advocate modern composers, gabriel fauré. trips italy provided sketches , ideas several venetian street scenes genre paintings, captured gestures , postures find useful in later portraiture.

upon return paris, sargent received several portrait commissions. career launched. demonstrated concentration , stamina enabled him paint workman-like steadiness next twenty-five years. filled in gaps between commissions many non-commissioned portraits of friends , colleagues. fine manners, perfect french, , great skill made him standout among newer portraitists, , fame spread. confidently set high prices , turned down unsatisfactory sitters. mentored friend emil fuchs learning paint portraits in oils.