Mrs. Mahlon Day Sands (Mary Hartpeace) 1894

John Singer Sargent painted Mrs. Mahlon Day Sands in oil paint on canvas with a remarkable display of virtuosity. The painting's material quality lies in its ability to depict the textures and surfaces of opulent fabrics and jewels. The rich velvets of the cushions contrast with the shimmering silk of Mrs. Sands' dress, each rendered with a palpable sense of materiality. Sargent's rapid brushstrokes, though seemingly spontaneous, belie the skilled labour required to achieve such an effect. The painting reflects the social context of its time, showcasing the wealth and status of its sitter through the display of luxurious materials. Yet the image is also a product of the labour that went into its making. Sargent engaged with a long tradition of portraiture, while his emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and texture places him firmly within the avant-garde of his time. By focusing on material, making, and context, we recognize that the history of painting is also the history of social class, wealth and consumption.