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Interesting,
Informative,
Insightful

3 reviews

Strapless
by Deborah Davis

Published: 2004-05-03
Paperback : 320 pages
3 members reading this now
11 clubs reading this now
2 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 3 of 3 members
The subject of John Singer Sargent's most famous painting was twenty-three-year-old New Orleans Creole Virginie Gautreau, who moved to Paris and quickly became the "it girl" of her day. A relative unknown at the time, Sargent won the commission to paint her; the two must have recognized ...
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Introduction

The subject of John Singer Sargent's most famous painting was twenty-three-year-old New Orleans Creole Virginie Gautreau, who moved to Paris and quickly became the "it girl" of her day. A relative unknown at the time, Sargent won the commission to paint her; the two must have recognized in each other a like-minded hunger for fame.

Unveiled at the 1884 Paris Salon, Gautreau's portrait generated 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 either the prelude to or the aftermath of sex. Her reputation irreparably damaged, Gautreau retired from public life, destroying all the mirrors in her home.

Drawing on documents from private collections and other previously unexamined materials, and featuring a cast of characters including Oscar Wilde and Richard Wagner, Strapless is a tale of art and celebrity, obsession and betrayal.

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Book Club Recommendations

Art and John Singer Sargent
by sailawaypad (see profile) 12/04/12
Check out art books with his paintings or have a field trip to a museum to see some of his works

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
  "Strapless"by Mik C. (see profile) 12/05/16

Consensus of the club was it was worth the read but not quite as seductive as we were anticipating. We loved the notorious and art! Good discussions!

 
  "Strapless"by Carol P. (see profile) 04/24/16

For those interested in New Orleans history and connections to Paris, France, as revealed in the life and loves of the acclaimed painter, John Singer Sargent. Fast moving showing the lives of writers and... (read more)

 
  "Strapless"by Sally E. (see profile) 02/17/16

Most of our members are artists. Very interesting account of Madame X and Sargent's painting career. Can be a slow read.

 
  "Fastinating story of John Singer Sargent and Madame X"by Polly D. (see profile) 12/04/12

If you love art you will enjoy this story of a
great painter and his muse, the iconic
Madame X

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