Mrs. Frank Millet 1886

This portrait of Mrs. Frank Millet was painted by John Singer Sargent, though the exact date of its creation is not known. Sargent's technique relied on oil paint, applied with brushes in a way that seems spontaneous, yet is actually highly controlled. This approach was very much in keeping with the late 19th century fascination for capturing impressions of life. The luscious quality of the pigment, almost casually applied, gives the portrait its distinctive feel. What's also interesting is that the very ease of this work belies all the labour that went into it. Sargent had to master brushwork, colour mixing and composition, but also had to understand the social rituals surrounding portraiture. He was, after all, not just painting a person, but also a representation of social status. So, by looking closely at Sargent's method, we can appreciate how this seemingly straightforward painting contains both individual skill, and complex social meaning.