W. Graham Robertson
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.W. Graham Robertson (1866–1948) was an artist and a gifted illustrator of children’s books. He also designed sets and stage costumes for actors Sarah Bernhardt and Ellen Terry and later became a successful playwright.
The portrait, one of the artist’s masterpieces, was painted at Sargent’s request. He had been struck by Robertson’s appearance, calling him "so paintable." Though Robertson was twenty-eight years old at the time, Sargent accentuates his youthful appearance, depicting him as the quintessential dandy, with an elegant, patrician air, chesterfield overcoat, jade-topped cane, and poodle companion. When he objected to wearing an overcoat during the summer, Sargent replied, "But the coat is the picture."
The portrait, one of the artist’s masterpieces, was painted at Sargent’s request. He had been struck by Robertson’s appearance, calling him "so paintable." Though Robertson was twenty-eight years old at the time, Sargent accentuates his youthful appearance, depicting him as the quintessential dandy, with an elegant, patrician air, chesterfield overcoat, jade-topped cane, and poodle companion. When he objected to wearing an overcoat during the summer, Sargent replied, "But the coat is the picture."
Artwork Details
- Title: W. Graham Robertson
- Artist: John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
- Date: 1894
- Culture: American
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 90 3/4 × 46 3/4 in. (230.5 × 118.7 cm)
Framed: 98 1/16 in. × 53 9/16 in. × 3 9/16 in. (249 × 136 × 9 cm) - Credit Line: Tate: Presented by W. Graham Robertson 1940
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing