John Singer Sargent dazzles Paris at the Musée d'Orsay

A child of the New World conquered Paris at just 18 years of age. Under the guidance of Carolus-Duran, he became one of the most sought-after portrait painters in high society. John Singer Sargent, an iconic figure of the Belle Époque, returns to Paris thanks to the Musée d'Orsay.

It was in a France undergoing profound change that John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) settled. He would remain there for twelve years. The civil war and the fall of the empire were still fresh in everyone's minds. The Republic had been proclaimed, and Paris wanted to establish itself as a modern centre. It became the world capital of art. John Singer Sargent, a talented portrait painter, enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame. In 1874, at only 18 years of age, he conquered the city of love.

His style was refined through his travels in Europe and North Africa and the people he met. Starting with landscapes, he quickly found his signature style: portraiture. His mastery of many European languages and his ability to forge links with a circle of artists, writers and enlightened collectors enabled him to carve out a place for himself in the upper echelons of society at the time. The painter also took advantage of the transition taking place in this new France, a more cosmopolitan country where the old European aristocracy rubbed shoulders with the young fortunes of the New World.

In partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Musée d'Orsay is hosting an exhibition devoted to this period of his career. Dazzling Paris traces the most decisive period in the American painter's life. From Table under the Arbor to The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, discover the marriage of contemporary style and ‘exotic’ influences.

A brilliant student, but no less daring, John Singer Sargent is renowned for his brilliant ability to capture the personality and aura of his subjects. He is not afraid to challenge social and artistic conventions. The impressive technical mastery and bold presence of his works captivate both the public and critics, some of whom consider him the legitimate successor to Velásquez.

From success to scandal

In 1884, John Singer Sargent caused a scandal with a sensual portrait. He chose the City of Light to present Madame X for the first time. A bustier, a bare chest, a chain falling over her arm (in the first version): the daring elegance of his model created controversy and propelled the painter to the rank of grand master. At the end of the 19th century, France was facing complex social and aesthetic issues, calling into question the very morality of Virginie Gautreau. The work, deemed too provocative, prompted him to leave Paris in 1886 for London, where his career took off again. A second capital city where the artist used to travel back and forth.

His connection with France did not end there, however. Through his friendships, notably with Claude Monet, whom he deeply admired, but also when, in 1889, he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour after his triumph at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. He travelled throughout France until 1918 and participated in the Salon until 1905.

Works on display until 11 January 2026 at the Musée d'Orsay (Paris).

To learn more about this iconic artist, don't miss our new original production, in partnership with the Musée d'Orsay on Museum TV: John Singer Sargent – Portraitist of Paradox, broadcast on Saturday 18 October at 8pm.