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Strapless : Madame X and the Scandal That Shocked Belle Epoque Paris by Deborah Davis (2003, Hardcover)
AlibrisBooks (457159)
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$100.48
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New Hard cover
- Buy It NowStrapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X by Deborah Davis: New
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About this product
Product Identifiers
PublisherPenguin Publishing Group
ISBN-101585422215
ISBN-139781585422210
eBay Product ID (ePID)2470300
Product Key Features
Book TitleStrapless : Madame X and the Scandal That Shocked Belle Epoque Paris
Number of Pages320 Pages
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year2003
TopicWomen, Individual Artists / General, Europe / France, General, Artists, Architects, Photographers
IllustratorYes
GenreArt, Social Science, Biography & Autobiography, History
AuthorDeborah Davis
FormatHardcover
Dimensions
Item Height1.1 in
Item Weight18 Oz
Item Length8.6 in
Item Width5.8 in
Additional Product Features
Intended AudienceTrade
LCCN2003-050724
Dewey Edition21
Grade FromTwelfth Grade
Dewey Decimal759.13
SynopsisThe story behind the legendary John Singer Sargent painting that propelled the artist to international renown but condemned his subject to a life of public ridicule. John Singer Sargent's Madame Xis one of the world's best-known portraits. As the Metropolitan's most frequently requested painting for loans, it travels to museums around the globe. The image of "Madame X" decorates book and magazine covers, greeting cards and screen savers. She's even been immortalized as a Madame Alexander doll. Few people, though, know the fascinating story behind the painting. "Madame X" was actually a twenty-three-year-old New Orleans Creole, Virginie Gautreau, who moved to Paris and quickly became the "it girl" of her day. All the leading artists wanted to paint her, but it was Sargent, a relative nobody, who won the commission. Gautreau and Sargent must have recognized in each other a like-minded hunger for fame. Unveiled at the 1884 Paris Salon, Gautreau's portrait did generate the attention she craved-but it led to infamy rather than stardom. Sargent had painted one strap of Gautreau's dress dangling from her shoulder, suggesting, to outraged Parisian viewers, either the prelude or the aftermath of sex. Her reputation irreparably damaged, Gautreau retired from public life, destroying all the mirrors in her home so she would never have to look at herself again. Why had Sargent chosen to portray her in such a provoc-ative manner? Was the painting, with the scandal it generated, the machination of a sexually conflicted man who desired a woman and a lifestyle he could never possess? Drawing on documents from private collections and other previously unexamined materials and featuring a cast of characters including Oscar Wilde and Richard Wagner, Straplessis an enthralling tale of art and celebrity, obsession and betrayal.
LC Classification NumberND237.S3D38 2003
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Ratings and Reviews
Most relevant reviews
- Feb 23, 2017
Addictive Read
I fell in love with John Singer Sargent in Washington, DC twenty years ago when a huge 3 room traveling display was housed at an art museum for 6 weeks. I lived in DC at the time and visited his work 6 days in a row. I was exhilarated with his talent, not seeming to get enough. I purchased the "Coffee Table Book" and have gone through it often. I didn't know there was a story written about him and Madame X - thinking it might be an ok read, I bought the book, not only is the book ok, it is well written, accurate, and offered pictures of Sargent's work. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a good read, and especially to those who love John Singer Sargent as I do.Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- Jun 09, 2020
A good read!
A very good and intriguing read. Background on the artist as well.Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- Nov 29, 2023
A must read!
Excellent novel based on art and history, fabulous read!Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- May 18, 2024
Great thank you
Great thank youVerified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
