"Fashioned by Sargent" Exhibition at the MFA

Portraits and Fashions

Fashioned by Sargent: A Glimpse into Elegance at the MFA Boston
October 8, 2023–January 15, 2024

Introduction

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston recently hosted a captivating exhibit, "Fashioned by Sargent," which has drawn to a close but left a lasting impression on all who visited.  

The exhibit offered an extraordinary opportunity to explore the intersection of fashion and art through the lens of one of America’s most renowned portrait painters, John Singer Sargent.

I was fortunate enough to experience this exhibit firsthand, capturing numerous photographs that highlight the elegance and craftsmanship on display. Let’s take a visual journey through this remarkable exhibition.

The Exhibit: An Overview

"Fashioned by Sargent" was a unique exploration of how Sargent used fashion to enhance his portraits, bringing out the personalities, statuses, and stories of his subjects. The exhibit showcased a collection of Sargent’s portraits alongside the actual garments, accessories, and textiles from the time, allowing visitors to see how fashion played a critical role in his work.

In portraits by John Singer Sargent (1856–1925), sitters assume elegant stances, the fabric of their dress richly depicted in broad, sensuous strokes of paint.

Sargent brought his subjects to life, but he did much more than simply record what appeared before him. He often chose what his sitters wore and, even if they arrived in his studio dressed in the latest fashions, he frequently simplified and altered the details. Exploiting dress was an integral part of his artistry.

“Fashioned by Sargent” explores the artist’s complex relationship with his often-affluent clients and their clothes. The exhibition reveals Sargent’s power over his sitters’ images by considering the liberties he took with sartorial choices to express distinctive personalities, social positions, professions, gender identities, and nationalities.

Alongside about 50 paintings by Sargent, over a dozen period garments and accessories shed new light on the relationship between fashion and this beloved artist’s creative practice.

Highlights from the Exhibition

1. Lady Agnew of Lochnaw: The Quintessential Portrait

   One of the standout pieces of the exhibit was Sargent’s famous portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw. Her flowing white gown, with its delicate lace and intricate details, was displayed alongside the painting, allowing visitors to appreciate the level of detail and care Sargent took in capturing the texture and movement of the fabric.

   These photos capture the gown in all its splendor, showcasing the fine craftsmanship that was typical of the late 19th century; however seeing the portraits in person makes one wonder how on earth Sargent did it. 

2. Dr. Pozzi at Home: A Study in Red

   Another unforgettable piece was the portrait of Dr. Samuel-Jean Pozzi, known as "Dr. Pozzi at Home." Sargent’s bold use of red in this painting is matched by the striking red robe that was featured in the exhibit.  I mean, look closely at his face and hands - this could seriously be a photograph!
   
   The vibrancy of the color and the luxurious texture of the fabric were mesmerizing, and my photograph of this piece highlights the dramatic effect Sargent achieved through his masterful use of color and light.

3. The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit: Innocence and Elegance

   One of Sargent’s most celebrated works, "The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit," was another focal point of the exhibit. The portrayal of the four Boit sisters, dressed in their elegant, yet understated dresses, was accompanied by actual pieces of clothing from the period. My photograph of this painting, paired with the corresponding fashion pieces, captures the innocence and refined taste of the era.

The Art of Fashion

Sargent’s ability to depict the fabric and fashion of his time with such precision and sensitivity is a testament to his skill as an artist. The exhibit allowed visitors to step back in time and experience the social and cultural significance of fashion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each portrait was more than just an image; it was a story told through the delicate interplay of light, fabric, and form.

Reflections on the Experience

Visiting "Fashioned by Sargent" was not just an exploration of art, but also a deep dive into the world of fashion history.

The exhibit beautifully demonstrated how clothing and accessories could convey personality, status, and even mood in a portrait.

These photos, taken throughout the exhibit, attempt to capture the essence of this relationship between art and fashion, and I’m excited to share these images with you.

Here is an excellent example of a portrait, with the garments worn in the painting displayed right next to them.  It really added a unique depth and realism to the paintings.

Conclusion

While "Fashioned by Sargent" may no longer be on display at the MFA, its impact continues to resonate with those who experienced it.

The exhibit offered a unique perspective on Sargent’s work, highlighting the intricate connections between fashion and portraiture.

It was rather astounding to see the actual garments worn in the portraits displayed next to many of the paintings themselves.  The garment displays were pieces of art in and of themselves.

Through these photographs, I hope to keep the memory of this extraordinary exhibit alive and inspire others to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of both Sargent and the fashion of his time.

Please enjoy the gallery below, which gives you a sense of the actual portraits, with a zoom of some of the intricacies of the garments. 

A good number of the pieces (not all) had the actual garments displayed under glass.  A very special, and immaculately curated exhibit indeed.

Here, along with a number of other portraits below, you can see what a master of black Sargent was.  Look closely at the lighting and the folds of the dress.  It's like you can almost reach out and touch the fabric.

Here, the fine details of the lower dress and train are stunning.  You can almost feel the weight of the fabric and hear the swishing sound it might make if she moved.

An example of one of many dresses that were featured in the exhibit. 

This woman appears somewhat modern.  Again with his masterful strokes capturing the pleats of the skirt, juxtaposed against the brown paneling. 

 

 

 

LOOK at the detail of this lace overlay.  Unreal.

 

Looking for more John Singer Sargent artwork in the Boston area?  Just around the corner from the MFA, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is home to a number of Sargent works, as Mrs. Gardner and Mr. Sargent were know to be close friends.  

In addition, own own Boston Public Library's Copley Branch is home to a third floor gallery of murals by John Singer Sargent.  One of the many amazing things you can discover.

For more information about things to do in the Boston Area in the, visit our guide to Free Things to Do in Boston, great ideas for Rainy Days in Boston, or a handy list of some of Boston's most interesting Museums. 

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website BostonCentral  & popular weekly newsletter, for well over 20 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.