John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was an American painter who became the most celebrated portraitist of his time (or any time since) with his glamorous style influenced by Velazquez and the impressionists.

Sargent was born in Florence, travelled widely during his childhood, and lived most of his adult life in Europe, yet considered himself an American; he once turned down a knighthood from King Edward VII because it would have meant giving up his American citizenship.

John Singer Sargent