About
Through a series of case studies, this course will examine the scope and impact of John Singer Sargent’s work, at a time when Sargent’s work has yet again risen to prominence with recent exhibitions in Boston and London.
The course will consider Sargent’s art in the context of other artists of ‘Gilded Age’ America, who built their professional careers within European society.
Throughout the session, we will examine a range of Sargent’s luminous and technically brilliant portraits from well-known sitters, such as the writer Henry James and actress Ellen Terry, to the children of both American and European friends.
Course tutor Dr Amy Mechowski will also discuss how Sargent came to be known by contemporaries as ‘the Van Dyck of our times.’
Your tutor
Dr Amy Mechowski is a freelance art historian, lecturer and curator, specialising in issues of sexuality and gender in 19th‐century art and material culture. Among her most recent publications is a chapter in ‘Sculpture, Sexuality and History’, exploring the display and reception of 19th‐century sculptures of the female nude in the V&A (Palgrave, 2019). Previously working as a Curator at the V&A and then as Head of the V&A Academy, she now leads courses for Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Watch again
Can't make Wednesday evening but don't want to miss out? No problem, you can watch again.
This session will be recorded and made available to you for one week.
A video of the lecture will be uploaded and available for you to watch via your National Gallery account by Friday afternoon. Just be sure to watch it by the following Friday lunchtime, as it will be taken down on Friday afternoon.
Format
Each session lasts for 2 hours and includes a lecture delivered by the course lecturer, followed by a short break and further discussion.
Time will be allowed for questions and discussion via Q&A.
Handouts will be available via your National Gallery account on the Tuesday morning before the talk.
In focus: John Singer Sargent
Online tickets
Standard: £12.50
Concessions: £11.75
Please book a ticket to access the event. You will receive an E-ticket with instructions on how to access your online events, films and resources via your National Gallery account.
Please note, only one ticket can be booked per account. Bookings close ten minutes before the event.
Concessions are for full-time students, jobseekers, and disabled adults.