Celebrated for his striking portrait paintings, this exhibition sheds new light on the art of the most cosmopolitan of American painters of the “Belle Epoque”. It explores how he worked like a stylist to craft the image of his sitters with whom he often had close relationships.

Sargent used fashion as a powerful tool to express identity and personality. He regularly chose the outfits of his collaborators or manipulated their clothing. His innovative use of costume was central to his artwork. His often daring sartorial choices allowed him to express his vision as an artist.

Almost sixty of Sargent’s paintings will be on display, including major portraits that rarely travel. Several period garments will also be showcased alongside the portraits they were worn in this exceptional exhibition, organized jointly by Tate Britain and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.