Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Gabriel Fauré
John Singer Sargent American
Not on view
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.
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