Portrait of Laurence Millet 1887

John Singer Sargent painted this portrait of Laurence Millet using oil on canvas. As a portraitist of high society, Sargent applied the traditions of oil painting to capture the likenesses of wealthy patrons. The visible brushstrokes and rich layering of paint reflect Sargent’s skill, and the time he spent mastering the craft. The dark, formal clothing and serious expression, communicate Laurence Millet’s social standing. Sargent demonstrates the importance of materiality, process, and social context in understanding fine art. The artist's attention to detail captures the subject's likeness and reveals the societal values and economic realities of the time. In this way, he moves beyond simply recording an image, towards imbuing the painting with deeper significance.