“Fashioned by Sargent” | Maundy Mitchell Photography

A Special Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Last weekend was another rainy one, so I decided to take a drive south to see “Fashioned by Sargent,” a special exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

The exterior of the MFA Boston, with "Fashioned by Sargent" banners

John Singer Sargent has long been one of my favorite portrait painters. He was an Italian-born American painter who became successful, well-known, and prolific, creating portraits for Edwardian age society.

A timeline: "John Singer Sargent and Fashion" from the Exhibit "Fashioned by Sargent" at the MFA Boston

What I love about Sargent’s work is that he knew how to create a connection with his subjects, to draw out expression, and to portray luxury and style.

Three images from the "Fashioned by Sargent" exhibit at the MFA Boston

He was particular about the wardrobe. He considered everything from textures and creating shapes to how the kinds of fabrics he used would pick up the light.

Two dresses from the "Fashioned by Sargent" special exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

I was surprised to learn that, like me, Sargent had a studio wardrobe. He meticulously styled his subjects.

Two cell phone photos of portrait paintings by John Singer Sargent at the MFA Boston

It was exciting to see some of the portraits I hadn’t seen in person, along with some of the actual garments Sargent used to style his subjects. “Fashioned by Sargent” includes about 50 of his portraits, as well as a dozen garments that he used in some of the paintings.

Three images from the "Fashioned by Sargent" exhibit at the MFA Boston. A yellow dress, a closeup of the painting, and a portrait painting of a dancer wearing a yellow dress

A portrait by John Singer Sargent, along with the actual velvet dress the subject wore in the portrait

A cell phone photo from the "Fashioned by Sargent" exhibit

Two portaits of women by John Singer Sargent

A portrait by John Singer Sargent, along with the outfit the woman wore for the portrait

John Singer Sargent knew that clothing can communicate power. Whether someone is dressed up or down, each choice sends a message. The message is particularly important in an image that will last.