Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once stated, “those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” This quote emphasizes the truth that everyday beauty is often overlooked and is rejected by those who can appreciate it.
John Singer Sargent is one of many realist artists during the 19th and 20th centuries. Realism was an art movement defined by realistic depictions rather than an idealized image. It is important to note that Sargent stood outside the crowd by not solely drawing aristocrats, Sargent dedicated as much energy and skills to works of the lay man and even the poor as he did to nobles.
This focus on the everyday beauty of everyday people is superb. There are several examples of this in Sargent’s works. However, from my perspective, I find his 1887 painting, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, is the best example.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s online page on Sargent does a fantastic job of explaining the work’s history. “Sargent’s most ambitious Broadway canvas was the ravishing Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose (Tate Britain, London). The painting’s display at the Royal Academy in 1887 assuaged the doubts of English critics, and its acquisition for the British nation augured well for his career in London.”
Essentially, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose is the painting, along with Portrait of Madame X, which cemented Sargent’s notoriety in art history. Finally, when viewing Sargent’s paints, such as Carnation, Lily, Lily Rose, it is important to look past the immediate visuals that jump out. As Henry James’s “Picture and Text” points out, “Putting aside the question of the subject (and to a great portrait a common sitter will doubtless not always contribute), the highest result is achieved when to this element of quick perception a certain faculty of brooding reflection is added. ” The contrast of the colors in the painting are exquisite. The realistic nature of the painting makes the view feel as if they are viewing it in person. Perhaps, we will never know what was running through Sargent’s mind while he was painting, but it is important to contemplate what he may have been thinking. I would argue he was appreciating the beauty he was creating similarly to how we are.
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