Scandal in Paris
Warenar: Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
‘Scandal in Paris – John Singer Sargent’s Mysterious Portrait of Madame X’ by Mary Alexander
Who is that beautiful woman in the iconic little black dress? And why did the painting cause such a sensation in unshockable Paris in 1884? Sargent took it with him when he fled to England and it remained in his London studio until the sitter’s death. In 1915 when the painting was sold to the Metropolitan museum of art in New York Sargent wrote ‘on account of the row I had with the lady years ago, the picture should not be called by her name…. I suppose it is the best thing I have done’. Mme X will be discussed in the context of the artist’s other work and influences. A poignant story of ambition and miscalculation, brought to life with extracts from diaries, correspondence and contemporary photographs. Mary Alexander has lectured extensively in museums, the Open University, and Christies as well as arts, heritage and antiquarian societies. She also has been a museum curator at Platt Hall, and the Gallery of Costume, Manchester. She has a BA in History and History of Art and a MA with distinction in History of Art from University College London and has worked in Pentagram design consultancy in London and New York, organizing conferences and special events. Author of various articles on design and visual awareness issues, her background combines an unusual blend of academic and visual communications skills.
The lecture starts at 20.00 pm; premises opens at 19.30 pm. Entrance (non-members): € 10. A membership (8 lectures, free entrance; and other activities) is € 55 per year and € 90 for a couple. The website is: www.dfas.nl. Address: De Warenar Kerkstraat 75, 2242 HE, Wassenaar.