John Singer Sargent in his studio in Paris

Painter John Singer Sargent in his studio in Paris, with the painting Madame X. Sargent faces his painting The Breakfast Table, 1884 - Madame Pierre Gautreau (the Louisiana-born Virginie Amélie Avegno, 1859–1915) was known in Paris for her artful appearance. Sargent hoped to enhance his reputation by painting and exhibiting her portrait. At the Salon of 1884, the portrait received more ridicule than praise. When, eventually, he sold it to the Metropolitan, he commented, “I suppose it is the best thing I have done,” but asked that the Museum disguise the sitter’s name...