John Singer Sargent (Full Length): Madame X and Dr. Pozzi
Please consider supporting this channel on Patreon, thanks! www.patreon.com/user?u=53686503
Or if you prefer a one-off donation - www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
Subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified! kzhead.info/tools/ePD.html...
Want to learn more about John Singer Sargent, and other artist's painting techniques? Please check out Chelsea Lang's great channel at - / @chelsealang (thanks for the clip!)
John Singer Sargent was the most successful society portrait painter of the Belle Epoque, and having one’s portrait painted by him was seen as an indication of impeccable good taste. In this episode, I look at two paintings created by Sargent. Two paintings united by scandal. One of them is of Doctor Pozzi, a celebrity gynaecologist and infamous ladies' man, who was referred to by many of his clients as L’Amour médecin, or Doctor Love. The other is Madame X, or Virginie Gautreau, who, like Dr. Pozzi, had a colourful love life, and is also shown in a provocative pose.
The paintings have been written about and discussed as separate works of art, but instead of looking at them as two separate paintings - maybe it’s time we talked about them as a pair?
I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Adriana Nemet, Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, Alyssa Phillips, Anja Zeutschel, Bria Nicole Art, David Asabreu, Christa Sawyer, Eric Mann, Erique K, Griffin Evans, Hugo Moita, Jemma Theivendran, Julio Cardenas, Karim Hopper, Kibibi Shaw, Louise Tait, Monte St Johns, New Curiosity, Paul Ark, Paul Waterman, Pavel Juszczyk, Sean Welgemoed, Stephen Beresford, Tanya Moore, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, Tyler Wittreich and Will Dewees-Power.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at jamespayne33@hotmail.com
French Subtitles by Ludivine Desriac (Merci)
Spanish Subtitles by Alma Perdomo (Gracias!)
CREDITS
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram instagram.com/brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Sound Mix by Oscar Sidoff Rydelius (Thank you!)
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
BOOKS
The Grand Affair: John Singer Sargent in His World by Paul Fisher
John Singer Sargent: Masterpiece Edition by Carter Ratcliff
John Singer Sargent: Painting Friends by Barbara Dayer Gallati, Erica Hirshler
John Singer Sargent and the Art of Allusion by Bruce Redford
MUSIC
Clair De Lune by Claude Debussy
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Thanks!
Thanks for your generosity! James
Very cool.
Dear Sir, don't ever stop educating us masses. your Art history videos are invaluable.
Hear hear!!
❤️🙏❤️
@@ingidraws😊000😊😊 😊
❤
Same. I need MOOOORE
Hearing a serious art channel say "Overtly sexual swagger" is a delight lol
Haha, yes!
Why? The word "swagger" was used by William Shakespeare and has been used in many academic ways for the last 600+ centuries. It's a perfect word to use in this case. I remember even reading JRR Tolkien using it, forgot which book.
Why wouldn't a serious art channel say that?
Please, please never change the way you present your incredible videos, your delivery, the gentle background music, everything is pitch perfect. You dont know how much we need people like you on youtube, or even in life. Your genuine and honest love of art makes you a favourite with literally millions of people. I have learnt SO much from you. You are the best.
Thanks for watching! Please like and leave a comment. It REALLY helps promote the channel. Thanks, James
I just wanted to point out a minor thing: You're talking about France in the 19th Century, saying victorian is stretching terms. France didn't have Victoria as a queen, and at a several moments during the 19th Century they had no monarch at all. Point is, Victorian refers to Britain as it's a name that roots in the reigning monarch in the same way as Georgian and Regency refer only to Britain (all monarch-based terms).
@ He surely knows it. But first of all, he is talking about a cosmopolitan American who began his career in France and then transitioned to England, so it's not like this is a purely French story. Second, he is trying to connect with an audience, and they largely understand the term Victorian, and may not even know la Belle Epoque. I imagine it was a choice he deliberately made.
Thank you for the education of art. If only I had talent!
Interesting!
@@carolynfogel6546you have! Everyone is creative and if you can learn to write, you can learn to draw. 👍
You are, hands down, my favorite channel on KZhead. I watch your videos over and over again. Incredible. Impeccable. Magnifique.
Thanks for the kind comment 🙏
Your storytelling is so original and unique. Everything is perfect, right down to the last detail (The choice of music, and so on). Very insightful too. In short, it was worth the wait!
Thanks Dee!
✨️✨️✨️
I really enjoy it when you delve into the artist's technique. It isn't something I usually think about when I look at a painting, but it is fascinating.
I appreciate that thanks 🙏
Sergeant's work is stellar. Critics only beg to be able to paint as he did.
Those who con "do", those who can't "criticize".
✨️✨️✨️
Exactly.
Art critics are the reason many of the uneducated get to know artists. Reviewing things is a part of humanity and exists in every facet of art and entertainment.
@@itsgonnabeanaurfromme Historians, schools, these documentaries,, and museums contribute to people getting to know artists. Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one, and that's the category critics and their politics and forwarding their careers fall in. There have been many truly great artists who fell through the cracks because some asshole had an opinion.
Thank you Mr. Payne for all the hard work❤ I really appreciate it and will keep on supporting your channel!
I just kept saying 'Wow'. His nearly photo realistic faces and hands combined with the impressionistic hints are😂 simply Devine!
✨️✨️✨️
Your videos put my expensive university art history course to shame! Thank you again for every video.
I feel that as an American artist, one of the biggest highlights of one’s career would be painting an official portrait of a U.S. president. Especially one as renowned as Theodore Roosevelt, but for Sargent that’s only a footnote in a remarkable career. There are not many artist you can say that about.
Teddy was boring...He was neither pretty, nor homo-erotic.
Its so crazy how relevant his work is today. When I was at art school almost 10 years ago I'll never forget all the master copies we were forced to make of Sargent's portraits just to figure out how to hold a brush, apply paint to canvas, etc.
When I was at art school 20 years ago, applying paint to canvas wasn't encouraged. In which country did you attend art school? I'd love to know.
@@stuartwray6175 I went to art school in america!
Watching your videos is like sitting in an art class taught by an inspiring teacher. Thank you for all your hard work and willingness to share your learning, James. 🙏🏼
✨️✨️✨️
Sargent is a huge artistic influence this day. We are still trying to capture his effortless strokes. To mimic that impression of dancing with the brush.
I love how the slightest of poses can trigger the wildest reactions. Great story and great education from this video❤
Makes me think about being a artist back then…the drawing process won’t be the struggle but the society…vs now anything can be painted with little thought about it
✨️✨️✨️
What I love about Sargent's art, is that he dared to tell the truth about the subject of the painting. That may have been done provocatively at times, but, in my opinion, with no exaggeration whatsoever. Thank you for telling the story of these two fascinating paintings and their author in such a well-thought and engaging manner.
I don't know why, but Madame X always looked to me like a witch. A powerful, independet woman, filled with magic and dressed fabric made of night.
😇
I feel the simplicity of it and the background actually create a feeling of mystery and that black color dress gives a feeling that this isn't an ordinary woman !
I can’t articulate how grateful I am for this production. Thank you.
This is just... so good. It's like watching an excellent movie when you're so captivated, nothing else exists. And then, like some kind of skilled hypnosis, you gently come out of the trance at the end. Excellent.
Thank you for bringing art into our lives and giving those of us who felt like outsiders a chance to learn.
Living in NYC, every time I visit the Met, I always swing by the American Wing to pay a visit to Madame X. It truly is a masterpiece. Once you enter the gallery, the painting draws all the attention to itself, ignoring the surrounding art work. Thank you for exploring this amazing piece.
So jealous!!
✨️✨️✨️
Me too! I can't go and not see her!
More jealousy!!! I saw it once and will never forget …. seeing in upon entering the room. Los Angeles - LACMA IN 2004.
Amazing vid. You are incredible.
Coming back to thank you again for the *excellent* history lesson. Your passion really shines through, and you really enrich my life! 😌
Thanks Artur 🙏
❤💐
I love the original version with the shoulder strap falling off SO MUCH more. Its absolutely beautiful.
I had never heard of Sargent before a college friend (an art history major) asked if I wanted to accompany her on a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago to see the Sargent exhibition that was there for a few months. It had all of his major works. I had never really appreciated portraiture as a genre before seeing his genius on full display, but I was captivated. I loved Madame X and Carnation, Lily…, but the one I could not tear my eyes away from was the dual portrait of Mr. and Mrs. I. N. Phelps Stokes. I stood there for minutes, just creating a story about this couple in my head, they were so vibrantly captured!
if you haven't yet, Boston has more Sargent works than any other city.
✨️✨️✨️
I was just at the Art Institute and saw a few of Sargent's paintings for the first time and now I'm here :)
Your videos are, by a considerable margin, my favourite youtube 'content'. I come away from every one in awe of the artist you have been discussing. Making great art accessible is 'god's work'. Long may you continue sir.
✨️✨️✨️
OMG! I instantly fell in love with Dr. Pozzi!
This channel has become an absolute favorite of mine. Your videos reignited my passion for learning about the Fine Arts and motivated me to go back to the Art Institute to visit a few paintings you discussed. Your video on Hopper's Nighthawks made me see the piece in a whole new light.
Thank you for an incisive and well informed review of one of my favorite artists. I’m old enough to remember how Sargent was dismissed as nothing more than a painter of wealthy society. Now we can appreciate his legacy and mesmerizing works.
So happy I stumbled on this wonderful channel
What a well researched and fascinating look at Sargant the painter and the man, with great footage and biographical details that explain the painters upbringing, his artistic techniques and how he was both an outsider and insider with his transatlantic bohemian education and language skills. Bravo Great Art Explained another winner, opening up doors of perception.
Never heard about the guy before but his work is truly amazing. thank you for the video and introducing many of us to him
Thank you so much! Each episode can't come soon enough!
Thanks for the comment!
I saw both Dr. Pozzi and Madame X in person at the Met in the same room during an expedition. Both are absolutely stunning, and two of my favorite portraits of all time.
ILOVE LOVE LOVE the stories! Give us more!
I discovered this channel some days ago and I haven't stopped watching every video twice and three times. I have learned so much about art from you. I can't thank you enough. Thank you so so much.
✨️✨️✨️
As always, a fascinating and well-researched piece.
Thank you James,I'm sitting here on my breakfast table with tears in my eyes after watching this...
2 classic portraits even facinating now ❤❤
Amazing documentary about one of the greatest artists. Thank you!
"Gynecologist and infamous ladies man" dear god 😬😬😬😬😬
Very well done. I love Sargents work and this is a fantastic dive into his work
Another masterpiece, James. Congratulations and thank you for your incredible efforts.
Fascinating insights. My appreciation of these works has increased dramatically. Thank you
Exactly my feelings...
While Sargent was undeniably a genius, and these two particular portraits are a testament to that, the true masterpiece here is the video. An impeccable analysis, so well put together, thoroughly educational and entertaining, as we can already expect from you. Thank you so much for yet another brilliant watch.
Fantastic video, thanks so much!
Extraordinary James !! Thank you
Thank you!
I ❤❤❤ your videos! Your research, storytelling, educating, attention to details, presentations make it a delight to learn to appreciate Art and Artists! Thank you again. 🙏🏽❤
Every video is a piece of art unto itself.
Thank you! James
✨️✨️✨️
Unbelievably amazing! Thank you.
Thank you!
A stunning look into the work of a genius.
Amazing as always. The inclusion of the detailed explanation on the technique is superb,congratulations.
Glad you enjoyed it!
✨️✨️✨️
I love the little Greco-Roman nods in the Madame X painting. I never would’ve picked up on the crescent tiara being a potential reference to Diana
In art iconography it surely is. But at least for me there's a giant "BUT": Diana is considered not only as the goddess of hunt, but as the impersonation of chastity. Which Mme. X obviously was not. This contrast would certainly have been witnessed by painter, sitter and audience. So I wonder if this could have been an intended display of irony or sarcasm. ( Hope I could convey what I mean although English not being my first language. Apologies if I inadvertently didn't choose the correct terms...)
@@renater.540 that’s a great point. It could also be a symbolic representation of a kind of Madonna/whore complex, with both chaste beauty and licentiousness embodied in the same individual. Diana was a hunter belied by virginity, while the beauty of the sirens belied their predatory natures.
I wish sooo bad that he never altered the madame X painting. It's so much better with the strap falling off. It really ties everything together for me.
I've been looking forward to this vid since you did the poll. John Singer Sargent is one of my favorite artists. Great video!
Love it! Great video
Wow Thank you so much for this lesson !
My favorite all time portrait is Sargent’s Lady Agnew, I’m so glad you showed it at the begin of the video. ❤
I'm obsessed with this channel, top quality! Thank you for your hard work, it shows!
Thanks so much 🙏
James, this one is superb!!! I was not aware of the magnificence of John's work and now surely is a favorite. I will look for his books and get to know more. Loved this video. Thank you for another gem. Clair de Lune was a perfect pick. Cheers from São Paulo.
Thank you! 🙏
✨️✨️✨️
Only getting the chance to see this now. Really fantastic. Novel and innovative approach which is illuminating and enjoyable in equal measure. Really well done 👏 👏 👏
I have the great pleasure of sitting before the portrait of Dr. Pozzi at the Hammer museum in Los Angeles. It is truly stunning, you can look at it for hours feeling the shades of meaning, appreciating every brush stroke, and enjoying the scandalous history. If you ever come to LA, don’t miss it! It’s in a small, almost hidden gallery along with some LeTrec and Rembrandt’s!
I regard Sargent not so much as an innovator, but as a skilled classically trained illustrator of the highest order. I'm inspired by his paintings because of the precision and seductive immediacy of his alla prima paint application and tonal mastery. I've learned l lot watching your videos and think it the best art appreciation channel of all. Please do an episode on Sargent watercolors, where he simply painted for himself. That's where he really shines.
Yours is quite possibly my favorite channel on KZhead, and I watch a LOT of video essays. You have such a brilliant way of making everything engaging and showing off how well you researched without even having to resort to jokes of any kind, it’s just about the art and it’s amazing. I’ve never been a huge fan of documentaries because of the length (though I love fiction movies), but I would watch a feature length video of you explaining fascinating art pieces and their history any day
Thanks so much 🙏
✨️✨️✨️
His fingers really are amazing, especially with his painting technique
Excellent and appreciated
Thank you 🙏
Thank you! He's one of my favorites. I have a copy of "Repose" in my living room and prints of some of his other paintings. I love his watercolors, also---what a phenomenally gifted artist. As an art student in college 50 years ago, he was considered passé by my professors, but I didn't care. He will always knock the air out of me when I see one of his works in a museum.
Thank you so much for the education you provide. I had become rather frustrated with art during my school years, and now I am catching up on what I have missed since then. As a musician, I find it highly interesting to compare the different artistic styles to composing techniques of that time. More so, I imagine trying to "translate" into music the paintings you present. It gives me a completely new and interesting perspective on my own craft. Please never stop producing these videos. The world is richer for people like you.
✨️✨️✨️
One of THE greats. ♥🔥
Wow! This was so interesting. Thank you for this magnificent video.
Bellissimo! I knew this would be a fascinating video as soon as you proposed covering both paintings. But I had no idea there was a connection between the two subjects; it's truly enlightening! Although I've been a fan of "Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose," I feel like now I have a deeper appreciation of John Singer Sargent and his paintings. Thank you very much for sharing this with us!!
Thanks for the comment!
I like how the video touches on the different effects the two paintings had on the two subjects. Please don't stop this amazing work - I hunt for your videos with utmost attention :)
I have always adored Sergeant's work and was especially fond of Madam X. Thank you for this wonderful presentation of a remarkable artist.
Waiting for the video the whole week❤
These two artworks fit today's aesthetic standards. The shape and vibe it created are remarkable.
✨️✨️✨️
Sargent had a ZEN approach of working quick and loose yet produced flawless 'abstract / realism'. His sense of line and shape are also very elegant. Impressive!
If you would like to make a video about the 1638 painting "Et in Arcadia Ego" by Nicalas Poussin - I can help: What do the red stains on the robe of the kneeling shepherd mean? Why the shepherdess has a moon-shaped face? What does this painting have to do with "The Ambassadors" by Hans Holbein? What does the shadow on the tomb mean?
Your channel content is my happy place,my zen.... thank you! 🙏❤
Exceptionally good, educational and entertaining. Thanks so much and looking forward to more!
I rarely leave comments but I’d like to share similar sentiments in effort to promote your well deserved hard work. Before watching your videos and The Canvas, visual arts had always eluded me despite my background in literature. Knowledge has always been one of the most treasured commodity in my personal philosophy; your work in disseminating invaluable insight into the history, technique and aesthetics has been pivotal in opening doors to a wealth of knowledge- not to mention the highly engaging and accessible nature delivered sans pedantry. For that, there aren’t enough thank-yous to amount for the service you have contributed to your audiences. Looking forward to feast on this new video of yours and many to come.
Couldn't agree more.
✨️✨️✨️
James, once again, superb in every way. You're truly an excellent narrator and more. You dont know me (yet) but your videos keep my inspiration going. Im back in the studio again this weekend.
That’s what I like to hear! Keep creating 🙏
There is so much detail. Your videos are always so informative, educational and interesting. And I love to hear you talk. English is my second language. Your delivery is so smooth, clear, calm and respectful. I learned a lot from you in every way. Thank you!
The skin tones he created was just incredible!
Amazing video. You should do something on Anders Zorn!
One of the best episodes. Well researched as always but bringing the new lens of a diptych adds a fresh layer. Kudos.
Beautiful talent. Amazing. Thank you.
Fascinating, thank you very much🥰🥰🥰🥰
0:21: 🎨 John Singer Sargent was a successful portrait painter of the Belle Époque, known for his scandalous paintings of Dr Pozzi and Madame X. 5:32: 🎨 John Singer Sargent's success in the art world was fueled by his ability to create sensational and attention-grabbing paintings, starting with his debut at the Salon in 1878. 10:05: 🎨 Sargent's unique approach to painting involved dynamic brushwork and a focus on the model's body and personality. 14:46: 💥 Sargent's private life was mysterious, but the discovery of his intimate portfolio of sensual and erotic male nudes reveals his desire to push the boundaries of acceptable art. 19:45: 🎨 Madame Gautreau, a remarkable figure in Parisian society, reluctantly agreed to be painted by Sargent after months of persuasion. 24:08: 🖼 The scandal surrounding Madame X's portrait at the Salon in 1884 shocked Parisians due to her high social status and reputation for infidelity. 28:49: 🎨 John Singer Sargent's painting of Madame X became his most famous work and helped establish his reputation as a portraitist. Recap by Tammy AI
The dropped, loose dress strap follows the neckline of the bodice. With the strap repositioned, the line is unbalanced and cut short.
An absolutely interesting and informative video, with much admiration for this greatly talented painter!
My favorite artist. I was so excited for this video ever since you mentioned its production in the live stream
Great video as always. Incredible story telling. However, the only thing I would like to point out in this whole video is where you have explained the Alla prima technique by showing the work of Chelsea Lang's youtube video, which was great, but putting a credit on screen would have been respectful and give her the recognition she deserves. She is an amazing artist and worth giving her credit. Cheers...
Hi Devi. I worked with Chelsea on this video and she was very helpful and friendly - She is credited at the top of the video description (as we agreed) and she was happy with that. But an onscreen credit would have looked wrong. Thanks for the comment but check out the video description.
My favorite expatriate American painter of all time. William Merritt Chase is second.
Excellent. Thank you.
Among your best videos. Worth the wait for your take on Sargent
I didn't know it was possible to fall in love with a gynecologist separated by 142 years.
💜
Definitely no starving artist here. He must have raked in a fortune with all these expensive commissions.
Thank you, this was super interesting. Watching your videos I can't help but think that these artists would be a great subject for a lush hollywood bio-pict.
To the viewers: If you want to know more about J.S.Sargent's 'gifted', 'genius' ability to capture/ express 'moments in time' and personalities with paint, look at his watercolors (hundreds of them). Virtuosic, expressive brush work you can see up close because the medium is so 'transparent'. Astonishing color juxtapositions that are mostly 'perfect'. (He 'experimented' with various colors together which he later used in his portrait oils.) To the creator(s): Thanks for this very expertly written and produced video. I hope you can expand your examinations of artists to include more of their studies and other 'formative' works. That is where they develope and reveal their 'skills'. But, of course, this would probably make the videos longer.