Charles Herbert Woodbury 1921

John Singer Sargent made this portrait of Charles Herbert Woodbury in 1911, and it's not just a likeness, it's a conversation. Sargent's brushwork is loose, confident, almost like he's sketching with paint, which feels totally fresh. Look closely, you can almost see him deciding what to put in, and what to leave out. The way he handles the colours, all muted browns and greys, creates this intimate, almost smoky atmosphere. The tie, though! A slash of red and blue, bam! It’s like a little firework went off right in the middle of this serious portrait. It’s a reminder that even in a quiet, formal setting, there's always room for a little bit of unexpected, delightful chaos. Think about how this relates to his other portraits, like Madame X, where everything is so polished. Here, it feels more personal, like a quick, knowing nod between artists. It makes me think of Manet, actually, that same ability to capture a person with just a few, perfectly placed strokes. It’s about the conversation, the back-and-forth, that keeps art alive.