The Met Museum - Sargent and Photographs

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City always hosts major special exhibits. One of the current shows is a retrospective of paintings by John Singer Sargent.

 Sargent and Paris (through Aug 3, 2025)



 

John Singer Sargent (1856 - 1925) was born to American expatriates in Europe. His father was an eye surgeon based in Paris. Both of his parents encouraged Sargent’s interest in art, sending him to the Academy of Florence to study, and then supporting him in Paris as he worked under the portraitist Carolus-Duran.


En Route pour la Pêche

Atlantic Storm

Staircase in Capri

Portrait of Frances Sherborne Ridley Watts

Rehearsal of the Pasdeloup Orchestra


Early in his life, Sargent traveled around Europe with his parents. He continued to travel as an adult, and incorporated what he discovered into his early works.


Madame Ramón Subercaseaux


Venetian Street

Fumée d'Ambre Gris


As Sargent matured, he concentrated more on his portrait work. In the 1880’s many artists were painting portraits of they stylish upper-class women of Paris, who were collectively known as “les Parissennes”. One of his most famous paintings is a portrait of one of these women - Madam X.


The Parisiennes  - Women Wearing Gloves by Charles-Alexandre Giron (l), Madame Georges Charpentier by August Renoir (c), Arrangement in Black No.5: lady Marx by James McNeill Whistler (r)

Madame X


Sargent's portraits are artistically wonderful, and they capture an era in Paris.


An Out of Doors Study


The New Art - American Photography 1839-1910 (through July 20, 2025)



Also on display is an excellent and collection of photographs taken at the start of the technologies development. From daguerreotypes, to tintypes, to glass negatives, this exhibit of over 100 pieces is a fulsome exploration of the history of photography, looking at is many uses - portraiture, historical record, family keepsake, and more.


The Backs of Cabinet Cards identifying the photographer

The Scourged Back 1863 by McPherson & Oliver. Distributed by abolitionists during the Civil War

Group on Petra, Lake Mahopac by Alice Austen

Woman in a Bonnett tintype

Niagara Falls by Platt D. Babbitt daguerreotype

Railroad Worker (?) with Wye-level ca. 1870 daguerreotype

Woman in a Tignon 1850 daguerreotype. The head wear probably indicated that she was a free woman in New Orleans


As always, a visit to The Met offers an opportunity to delve into the history art. Whether you plan a short visit to see one or two exhibits, or a long stay to explore more of its treasures, your time is always well spent.

Nuts and Bolts


  • The Met is located at 1000 5th Ave, at the corner of 82nd street.
  • The Met is open Sun-Tue & Thur 10 am - 5 pm and Fri - Sat 10 am - 9 pm (closed Wednesdays)
  • The Met charges Adults $30/ Seniors and Visitors with disabilities $22/ Students $17. NYS residents students from NY, NJ and CT can pay what they want when they buy tickets in person from a live agent (not at one of the machines)  

 

Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA

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