Happy Birthday John Singer Sargent
January 12, 1856 - April 14, 1925

Sargent was discounted for his classic technique in an age where art was rapidly turning impressionistic, (as 'Victorian' is similarly discounted today!). Whether he was classic Victorian, or not, his eye was timeless. I could only hope to see things the way John does in my wildest dreams.

This balustrade leads to the front door of the church of SS Domenico e Sisto in Rome. 

The artist described his painting as 'a study of a magnificent curved staircase and balustrade, leading to a grand façade that would reduce a millionaire to a worm'. 

Do you see common things this way, and appreciate the beauty around you like this? If yes, please contact me. I must hang out with you. Because I kneel in penance for my dullness and insensitivity. I'm not as observant as I would love to be.

He later used the study for the background to a portrait of Charles E. Eliot, President of @Harvard .

This painting resides at © Ashmolean Museum, @UniofOxford