John Singer Sargent letters, 1887-1922
Sargent, John Singer,
b. 1856
d. 1925
Painter, Muralist, Sculptor, Printmaker
Paris, France; New York, N.Y.; Mass.; London, Ohio
The papers of painter John Singer Sargent were digitized in 2006 by the Archives of American Art. The papers have been scanned in their entirety, and total 286 images.
Funding for the processing and digitization of this collection was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art.
Collection size: 107 items (0.2 linear ft.)
Collection Summary: The John Singer Sargent letters consist of 104 letters dating from 1887 to 1922. The letters provide limited insight into Sargent's later career through letters to commissioned patrons, sitters, and friends and colleagues, and relate to works in progress, replies to social invitations, and other general social news. Many of the letters are written to Mrs. Charles Hunter, an English friend and patron who sat for several portraits. Also found are letters from Sargent to friend Edith Blaney, whose husband was landscape artist Dwight Blaney. Additional scattered letters were written to Henry Mills Alden, Lawrence Barrett, Mrs. Baxter, a Mr. Griffith, Sir George Hunter, Mrs. Jackson, Louisa P. Loring, Henry Gurdon Marquand, Mrs. Pick, Mr. Spizer, and unidentified/illegible recipients. There are two photographs of Sargent.
Biographical/Historical Note: John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was a portrait painter from London, England. He was born in Florence and educated in Europe. Portrayed members of high society and aristocracy and became one of the most sought after portraitists of his day.
Letters were donated to the Archives by Charles Feinberg, 1956; purchased from King V. Hostick, an autograph dealer in 1957; and purchased at auction in 1968. The Archives microfilmed the letters upon receipt. The collection was processed and digitized in 2007.
Funding for the processing and digitization of this collection was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art.
How to Use this Collection
- Read the Finding Aid for this digitized collection
- The collection has been digitized and is available online via AAA's website.
- Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Contact Reference Services for more information.
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Also in the Archives
- John Singer Sargent letter to Mrs. Henry White, 1883 Mar. 15
- John Singer Sargent letters to Mrs. Charles Hunter, 1906-1921
- Image Gallery items from other collections related to Sargent, John Singer
