Madame Gautreau (Madame X) c. 1883

Editor: This watercolor sketch is a study for John Singer Sargent’s famous "Madame X," held at the Harvard Art Museums. The loose brushwork gives it an almost ethereal quality. How do you interpret the public perception and reception of Sargent’s portraiture, especially considering the stir "Madame X" caused? Curator: Sargent aimed to capture the spirit of his time, and his portraits reflect the social values and anxieties of the late 19th century. "Madame X," while controversial, became a cultural touchstone, shaping perceptions of beauty and societal expectations. What do you think it reveals about the role of portraiture? Editor: Perhaps that portraiture isn’t just about capturing likeness, but also about constructing and negotiating social identities. It’s interesting to consider how the public and institutions shape the way we view art. Curator: Exactly. And it's through this lens of cultural and social history that we can truly appreciate the depth and complexity of Sargent's work.