John Singer Sargent: The American who enchanted Paris, at the Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is devoting a major exhibition to John Singer Sargent, the master portrait painter who forged his style in the bustling Paris of the 1870s.
American painter John Singer Sargent returns to Paris… or almost. From September 23, 2025 to January 11, 2026, the Musée d’Orsay is staging a never-before-seen retrospective devoted to this virtuoso artist, revealing the wealth of his portraits, some of which were created in the French capital.
Upon his arrival in Paris at the age of 18, Sargent immersed himself in the vibrant artistic life of the time. A brilliant student at the École des Beaux-Arts, he frequented international cultural circles, made friends with influential figures and developed a flamboyant technique, inspired in particular by Velázquez and Van Gogh. Painting “alla prima”, he imposed a bold, modern style, far removed from the rigid conventions of his time.
A fresh look at portraiture
The works on display show how Sargent reinvented the portrait: piercing glances, unsettling gestures, unexpected poses… Each canvas reveals a personality. In Paris, he produced his most striking works before he turned 30, including the essential Madame X. This painting of Virginie Gautreau, an American expatriate and wife of a Parisian banker, caused a scandal when it was shown at the Salon. Deemed provocative, it prompted Sargent to leave Paris for London. Yet today, this portrait is considered emblematic of female emancipation.
A cosmopolitan and provocative Paris
The exhibition also reflects the effervescence of artistic Paris in the 1870-1880s. Sargent’s links with Manet and Degas, and his nods to Velázquez’ s Meninas in The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, bear witness to his profound visual culture. He shook up codes, notably in the famous Doctor Pozzi, in his red robe, halfway between tradition and sensuality.
A modern work with a contemporary message
The exhibition also highlights Sargent’s reflection on self-image, a very contemporary theme. As curator Stephanie L. Herdrich explains, the artist mastered the art of shaping a public image, a subject all the more relevant in the age of social networking.
A must-see when in Paris
Located in the heart of Paris, the Musée d’Orsay is a must for art lovers. This exhibition is part of a series of major events highlighting the links between Paris and international artists.
Practical info
📍 Musée d’Orsay – 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
🗓️ From September 23, 2025 to January 11, 2026
⏰ Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 6pm (nocturne Thursdays until 9:45pm)
🎟️ Price : from €16 – Reservations recommended on the museum website
🚇 Access: Metro line 12 (Solférino station) or RER C (Musée d’Orsay station)
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