Though American, both Whistler and Sargent worked and exhibited in Europe. Their patrons were often the wealthy industrialists who characterized the Gilded Age.
c. 1862 - 1900
videos + essays
We're adding new content all the time!
Childe Hassam, Horticulture Building, World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago
Celebrating America's place in the world
John Singer Sargent, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose
Singer Sargent’s evocative canvas turns a sweet, ordinary scene into a symphony of shapes and colors.
John Singer Sargent, The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit
Sargent studied the work of Velázquez, and those lessons paid off in this painting of a Bostonian’s daughters.
John Singer Sargent, El Jaleo
This dramatic dance scene captures a moment in time on an enormous scale.
John Singer Sargent, Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau)
It was all fun and games until the artist painted a woman’s bare shoulder and showed it to a scandalized public.
Whistler, Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket
A critic accused Whistler of “flinging paint at the public” when he saw this painting, so Whistler sued him.
Whistler, Symphony in White, No. 1: The White Girl
Nothing says “I love you” like depicting your girlfriend as a “prop” without mood, personality, or expression!
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!