Artwork

Madame Paul Escudier (Louise Lefevre)

Madame Paul Escudier (Louise Lefevre), by John Singer Sargent, oil, 1892
Madame Paul Escudier (Louise Lefevre), by John Singer Sargent, oil, 1892

Madame Paul Escudier (Louise Lefevre) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist John Singer Sargent. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Madame Paul Escudier (Louise Lefevre) is an oil-on-canvas portrait painted by John Singer Sargent in 1892.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a woman, Louise Lefevre, standing near a window in a dimly lit room. She is dressed in dark blue and bathed in sunlight, conveying a sense of calm.

Technique & Style

Sargent employed thick brushstrokes, particularly on the subject's dress and the adjacent chair, creating a textured effect through the use of impasto. This technique enhances the colors and adds depth to the painting.

History & Provenance

The portrait is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, reflecting Sargent's practice of capturing his subjects in oil paint during his career, primarily based in Europe.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Singer Sargent

Artist

John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (; January 12, 1856 – April 15, 1925) was an American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Belle Époque and Edwardian-era luxury.