Mary Turner Austin 1880

Curator: John Singer Sargent's 1880 oil painting, "Mary Turner Austin," offers an intriguing glimpse into a young woman's likeness. It resides here at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Editor: There's a distinct gravity to this portrait, wouldn’t you say? She emerges from the darkness with that formidable gaze, almost as if she's daring the viewer to look away. Curator: Indeed. Sargent was clearly exploring the psychological depths of his sitter through the careful application of paint. Let's consider the stark contrast of her luminous face and that pristine collar against the inky backdrop. It directs our focus, no? But it's also about the economy of means – those decisive brushstrokes suggest texture, volume, the fall of light on fabric. One feels the presence of his process in ways that are very interesting for a materialist such as me. Editor: The collar especially is an excellent emblem: purity, yes, but perhaps also restraint, containment. That darkness almost overwhelms her, symbolically representing the constraints society imposed on women at the time. What is concealed is as important as what is revealed. Curator: I agree. While on one hand the artist accentuates her beauty, at the same time you feel a tension created between that darkness and the light—something that feels deliberate in its process and execution. Sargent makes very clear that contrast. I almost wonder if he mixed something other than oil paint for it? A different material, like a tempera... Editor: And it echoes in her expression, that balance of composure and defiance. It speaks to her potential for growth. Those sharp, even defiant eyes certainly hold deeper narratives... and, of course, it recalls centuries of female portraiture where these symbols were employed to portray women in power or authority. Curator: The cultural consumption is also crucial; as this was one step in a series of female portraits done by this artist. Her identity and stature within the social circles of the time certainly dictated his choice of material and colors. If it had been someone else perhaps, the material considerations would be completely different. Editor: A final note? I believe this artwork preserves an important chapter in our history... showing not only individual identity, but echoing stories and values passed through generations. Curator: Yes, Sargent shows a distinct technical skill at working with what was available; which highlights not only his talent, but also social value of art itself within his specific economic, political and social framework.