Metropolitan Museum of Art (active 1870 - )
Postcard of John Singer Sargent's "Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau)", 1884-1924
Ink on card stock
Long Gallery
Commentary
Isabella sought out the artist John Singer Sargent after his sensuous portrait of a beautiful American in Paris, Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau) caused a controversy in Paris. She commissioned him to paint her own portrait in 1888 which was the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
Isabella purchased a preparatory oil sketch Madame Gautreau Drinking a Toast (displayed in the Blue Room) and kept this postcard as a memento.