John Singer Sargent, Mrs. Henry White, 1883

Painted just before Sargent's famous Madame X, Mrs. Henry White was painted in a fashion that was perhaps more of what Virginie Gautreau had in mind. Mrs. Henry White, otherwise known as Margaret Stuyvesant Rutherfurd White, was of similar social standing to Madame X. Margaret was the wife of Henry White, a wealthy US diplomat, and the daughter of wealthy parents. Like Madame X, Sargent's painting was supposed to immortalize the fame of the socialite. Not only was this a way of maintaining her status, but it would help to get her well known quickly amongst high society by being captured by the next big artist.

Unlike their similar lifestyles, there were some major differences between Sargent's portrayal of Mrs. White and Madame X. Mrs. White is elaborate but modest, clean, well put together, and clearly very wealthy. Although the background of the painting is relatively plain, the red and gold chair certainly make a statement. Mrs. White's dress is also elaborate, covered in draping and ruffles, unlike Madame X's famous garb. At first the painting was not overly well received, as it seemed to be nothing special according to the critics, but at least her painting had the lasting effect she was looking for.

This painting is one of many that gained Sargent the fame necessary to be chosen by Madame X for a portrait. I chose this painting because I couldn't help but wonder how the lives of Madame X and Sargent would have been different, had Madame X's portrait been more like Mrs. Henry White. Would Sargent have been even remotely as famous as he is? And would Virginie Gautreau's fame have dissolved just as Margaret White's?