Judith Gautier (also known as By the River or Resting by a Spring) 1885

John Singer Sargent captured this oil on canvas painting, known as Judith Gautier, sometime in the late 19th century. It is a portrait of the accomplished French poet, novelist, and critic, Judith Gautier. Born into a world of artistic and intellectual ferment, Gautier, the daughter of novelist Théophile Gautier, became a figure of fascination in Parisian society. Here, Sargent depicts Gautier in an informal pose by a spring. She wears what appears to be a light-colored robe, perhaps referencing an orientalist aesthetic, which was fashionable during that time. Gautier was known for her interest in Eastern cultures, particularly Japan and China, and even published works on Asian art and culture. Sargent’s choice to portray Gautier in this manner reflects the era’s fascination with exoticism and the artistic exchange between East and West. The piece offers a glimpse into the intersection of cultural identity, artistic representation, and gender in the Belle Époque.