John Singer Sargent
Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1865 - 1932)
1892"This is perhaps one of the finest examples of portraiture there is. The whole painting shimmers. Most striking of all, however, is Lady Agnew's direct gaze. She stares at the viewer almost in sexual defiance. This says so much about the character of the woman: her directness, her bold yet innocent sexuality. It is hard to believe this was painted in the late 1800s. It has the essence of ‘now'."
Brian Cox, actor
"I would be proud to have this painting in my home. It offers a simple appreciation of the shy, confident beauty of Lady Agnew; it is so uncomplicated, yet painted in a masterly fashion."
Sir Jackie Stewart, businessman and former world champion racing driver
- Glossary (2 terms)
- Open
Commission
When an individual or organisation employs an artist to execute a particular project, the process and the resulting work are termed a `commission?.
Royal Academy
An independent institution founded in 1768 with Sir Joshua Reynolds as its first president. It is governed by the Royal Academicians - leading painters, sculptors, printmakers and architects, which number no more than 80 at one time. It organises exhibitions at its London galleries, including an annual Summer Exhibition.
- Glossary (1 term)
- Open
Paris Salon
The Paris Salon was the official exhibiting space of the French Academy. Established in 1673 it moved to the Salon d'Apollon at the Louvre in 1725, when it became known as the `Salon de Paris?. In 1737 the annual exhibitions were made public and artists were invited to submit their work before a jury. Exhibiting at the Salon and receiving official recognition were vital for an artist's career. In the late 19th century artists became disillusioned with the jury system and its influence declined as a number of independent exhibiting societies were established. The government withdraw its official support in 1881.
- Credits Purchased with the aid of the Cowan Smith Bequest Fund 1925
- Medium Oil on canvas
- Size 127.00 x 101.00 cm (framed: 157.00 x 133.35 x 13.97 cm)
