Sargent and Fashion at Tate Britain review

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I believe it resides in every aspect of the sitter—their face, posture, attire, and even the hues of the painting. It's in the stroke of the painter's hand, the tip of the brush, and the color palette. Beauty is crafted by masters like John Singer Sargent.

Sargent and Fashion installation view with Lady Agnew of Lochnaw, 1892 © Tate (Larina Fernandes).

Tate Britain is currently hosting a magnificent exhibition of John Singer Sargent, showcasing his masterpieces that many of us have drooled over in books and online for years. Sargent has captured beauty, confidence, radiance, love, power, and sensitivity in vibrant colours. His portraits feel palpable, as the poses of the sitters speak to us, their eyes engage us, and their attire evokes envy, making us imagine ourselves in their place, wearing those splendid clothes, assuming their poses, and feeling thrilled to be painted by the master, Sargent.

Sargent and Fashion Installation view with La Carmencita, c.1890 and costume. Photo © Tate (Jai Monaghan).

To stand in front of La Carmencita, one of the many astonishing Sargent works on display, and to see her actual costume beside it, allowing for a comparison between the real and the painted, evokes an inexplicable sense of joy. This superbly beautiful exhibition demonstrates Sargent’s mastery not only in his paintings but also in the styling of his subjects and their attire. It reveals the modernity and fashion of his era, as well as the delicate touch of his hands over his paintings.

John Singer Sargent, Mrs. Hugh Hammersley, 1892. Image copyright The Metropolitan Museum of ArtArt Resource Scala, Florence.

Sargent and Fashion at Tate Britain is an immensely beautiful and powerful exhibition. Anticipating its arrival for months since its announcement, I found it to exceed all my expectations. I look forward to revisiting multiple times to absorb each painting anew.
I wholeheartedly endorse this exhibition—it's truly superb. Exploring the numerous rooms at Tate Britain, filled with Sargent's breathtaking paintings is an experience that one can never forget.

Date: 22 February- 7July 2024. Location: Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG. Price: £22. Concessions available. Book now.

Words by Massoumeh Safinia