John Singer Sargent Portraits in Charcoal at the National Portrait Gallery

[wvframer]

This is an inspirational way to spend a few minutes. We are able to see a number of exhibits online as the museums are closed.

John Singer Sargent: Portraits in Charcoal | National Portrait Gallery

In 1907, at the height of his success as a portraitist, John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) astonished the transatlantic art world when he stopped painting portraits in oil. Afterwards, he switched to charcoal, producing several hundred portraits of individuals recognized for their accomplishments...

npg.si.edu

 

[wpfay]

I got to work on a JSS charcoal portrait once. It was of the son of the founder of the BSO, and JSS was a frequent dinner guest in their home. He did this quick portrait as a gift to the family.
When it came to me it had been stored in an un-air conditioned garage in a frame with broken glass wrapped in plastic. There were holes in it from bugs and lots of stains from the same bugs. Restoration took about 16 months, but when it returned it looked like new. The paper had been analyised and recreated using pulp to fill in the voids. Very little of the image was missing, guess the bugs didn't like charcoal. It was amazing just getting to see it that close up.
The family continued having me work on pieces that had fallen to disrepair. Whistler, LaFarge, Morris, and Audubon among them, but the Sargent was the one that I remember the best.

 

[Rick Granick]

Wow, that is fantastic, Wally. That family must have had quite a collection.
Thanks for sharing this, Greg. I'm very concerned about the financial future for many museums.
:kaffeetrinker-2: Rick

 

[Ylva]

Thank you for sharing Greg. I admire his work, these portraits are all phenomenal.

Rick, I share your concern.