Gabriel Fauré
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) ranked high in Sargent’s pantheon of great composers; perhaps second only to Richard Wagner. During the late nineteenth century, Fauré’s music, with its harmonic and melodic innovations, was not universally admired. His reputation was, however, spurred on by a devoted group of friends and patrons. Sargent promoted Fauré in London, organizing studio concerts that included his music.
Sargent’s portrait captures Fauré’s charismatic personality and good looks and is a testament to their friendship. His expression seems somewhat imperious; he gazes into the distance with his chin tilted up. Highlights gloss the composer’s graying, bushy hair and moustache and his starched white collar. He looks every inch a creative genius.
Sargent’s portrait captures Fauré’s charismatic personality and good looks and is a testament to their friendship. His expression seems somewhat imperious; he gazes into the distance with his chin tilted up. Highlights gloss the composer’s graying, bushy hair and moustache and his starched white collar. He looks every inch a creative genius.
Artwork Details
- Title: Gabriel Fauré
- Artist: John Singer Sargent (American, Florence 1856–1925 London)
- Date: 1889
- Culture: American
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 24 × 21 1/2 in. (60.9 × 54.6 cm)
- Credit Line: Collection Musée de la Musique, Paris
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing