On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Hercules Brabazon Brabazon
John Singer Sargent American
Not on view
The career of H. B. Brabazon (1821–1906) reflects the extraordinary modesty of a private man. A wealthy Irish landowner, he traveled widely, creating brilliant impromptu watercolors. Though Brabazon was an artist of flair and originality, he never exhibited his works. His friends, especially Sargent, finally persuaded him to display his watercolors at the New English Art Club, London, in 1891. They caused a sensation, and at the age of seventy, Brabazon became a minor celebrity. Sargent was a tireless champion of Brabazon’s work, and acquired a large selection for himself.
The simplicity of Sargent’s portrait seems to match the easygoing, unassuming character of the sitter. The austere profile pose and black costume are softened by the slight turn of the head, the glowing flesh tones, the gentleness of the expression, and the lavender-tinted background.
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