John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent, who later became known as "the painter of the grand manner," was born on January 12, 1856, in Florence, Italy. He was a child prodigy who began painting at the young age of 10. His father and maternal grandfather were artists and served as his early models. 

John Singer Sargent’s artistic prowess was evident early on. In 1874, while still in his teens, Sargent began formal training with Carolus-Duran, one of the leading portraitists of his day. 

John Singer Sargent began painting murals and portraits at the age of 22. He primarily received commissions to paint wealthy patrons and royalty, but by 1910 he grew weary of his earlier style. Sargent saw an opportunity in the war, and created ‘Gassed’ as a show of support for America’s involvement in WWI. In 1925, he held a show of his work in New York City and London, which was enormously popular with American audiences.