Resource person: Audra Bullard

Description:

John Singer Sargent, born in Florence of American parents, was an extremely gifted painter who captured in oil, watercolors, and charcoal hundreds of personalities on both sides of the pond, as well as places like Venice, Spain, the Alps, and Morocco. To sit for a portrait by Sargent was to engage in a performative experience, including watching the painter stab the canvas as a string quartet played in the background. The final portrait often featured stunning clothing and telling accessories that captured the status, personality, eccentricities, and accomplishments of its sitter. It unmistakably elevated the subject not only because of its coloring, brushstrokes, composition, and fashion but also because it was unmistakably a Sargent. This lecture will examine some of Sargent’s most famous clientele who made their mark on American, French, and British society with their fashion, wealth, and talent. Sargent’s audacious portraits of equally audacious individuals such as Virgine Gautreau, Dr. Samuel Pozzi, Isabella Stuart Gardner and many others will be the focus of this lecture.

 

Dr. Janice Simon grew up in Buffalo NY, where her interest in making and reading about art began at the age of twelve. By the time she was an art major in high school, she became determined to earn her doctorate in art history so she could teach at the college level. After earning her BA in Art History summa cum laude at SUNY/Buffalo she went on to the University of Michigan for her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in art history with a focus on the painters of the Hudson River School. In 1988 she joined the faculty of the University of Georgia where she taught American art, modern photography, and spirituality in modern art. An enthusiastic and dedicated teacher, she has received many awards, including the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorship, the highest distinction honoring superior teaching at the University. She retired in September 2023 and spends most of her time traveling.

Notes: Cancellation Policy (Please Read) Please let us know immediately if you are unable to attend a class. There is no refund for cancellations within two (2) weeks prior to a scheduled class. Programs that include food, beverage or art materials must be canceled within three (3) weeks prior in order to receive a refund. CLE reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment has not been met or for circumstances beyond our control, and participants will be notified, a complete refund will be issued. All classes are held in the CLE Lecture Hall at the Peggy Crosby Center unless otherwise noted. In the event information has changed from the published brochure, it will be posted on our website and in our e-blasts. Addresses for “private home” venues will be provided to registrants within 2 days of the program date.

More information: Please Note: a 3% processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions

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