Claude Monet Painting by the Edge of a Wood
c. 1885


Claude Monet in his Bateau-Atelier
c. 1887



Portrait of Claude Monet
John Singer Sargent -- American painter 
1889 
National Academy of Design, NYC
Oil on canvas 
16  x 13  in.
Oil on canvas, 16 x 13
NA diploma presentation, October 25, 1897 (1123-P)
ANA 1891; NA 1897
Jpg: Erick Weems
 

Though Sargent's work was increasingly more and more about portraits, diverging substantially from the work Monet was doing, the two men retained a very close friendship. 

A wounderful account of this was written by Martin Birnbaum called "John Singer Sargent, A Conversation Piece." Many years later (maybe around 1901 when there was a lot of Wetheimer portraits done) Monet and Sargent got together: 
 

    “Sargent never surrounded himself with an aura, and violently disliked a note of flattery which he could instantly detect.  DeGlehn’s story of a visit to Sargent with Claude Monet bears this out.  It seems that the two guests remained all day, lunching and dining with Sargent.  Naturally they spent part of their time in their host’s studio, filled at the time with some of the sensational Wertheimer portraits.  DeGlehn was amazed that Monet hardly looked at them and he not only resented the Frenchman’s attitude but mentioned the matter to Sargent.  “But he hates this sort of painting” declared Sargent, to whom, however, Monet ever remained a great friend.   [1]
  
 * * * 

This was Sargent's diploma painting which he submitted to the National Academy of Design, in New York, to become a full member. He was elected associate member (ANA) in 1891. 
 

Notes: 

1) “John Singer Sargent, A Conversation Piece” By Martin Birnbaum,  New York, Wm E. Rudge’s Sons, 1941, 80pp pp40-41. 

I am so grateful to Kathie Roskom (see forum) for sending me this telling insight after finding it on her trip to the Frick library.  
 




 
 
Created 5/10/2002