John Singer SargentAmerican, 1856–1925Miss Beatrice Townsend
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Miss Beatrice Townsend” now? National Gallery of Art, Gallery 69 · West Building, Main Floor, Washington, D.C. Yes, on view now. Checked September 29, 2026.
Closing soon· until 5:00 PM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
Details
- Accession number
- 2006.128.31
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- National Gallery of Art
- Image: National Gallery of Art — Museum open access
In the life of John Singer Sargent
The whole lifeearly 1880s
Full-length portraits of women at the Salon, year after year
Upon his return to Paris Sargent quickly receives several portrait commissions and his career is launched: in the early 1880s he regularly exhibits portraits at the Salon, mostly full-length portrayals of women such as “Madame Edouard Pailleron” (1880, done en plein air) and “Madame Ramón Subercaseaux” (1881), continuing to receive positive critical notice.
1881–1883
First works at the Royal Academy exhibitions
Even before arriving in England Sargent begins sending paintings for exhibition at the Royal Academy: “Dr. Pozzi at Home” (1881), a flamboyant essay in red and his first full-length male portrait, and the more traditional “Mrs. Henry White” (1883).
1882
Henry James urges him to move to London
As early as 1882 Sargent considers moving to London, repeatedly urged to do so by his new friend, the novelist Henry James, who had praised the artist's early work.
1882
The start of a long friendship with Albert de Belleroche
In 1882 Sargent meets the aristocratic artist Albert de Belleroche, with whom he later travels frequently; scholars regard him as Sargent's likely lover.
1884
“Madame X” at the Salon: a scandal
Sargent himself pursued Virginie Gautreau for the opportunity to paint her and worked on the portrait for well over a year; unveiled at the 1884 Salon it arouses such a negative reaction that it likely prompts his move to London, and repainting the dress strap does not undo the damage: French commissions dry up.
1884
Meeting and painting Auguste Rodin
Through his friend the artist Paul César Helleu, Sargent meets the famed sculptor Auguste Rodin and in 1884 paints his portrait, a rather somber one reminiscent of works by Thomas Eakins.
