Donna M. Lucey

This is a fascinating set of biographies, not so much of John Singer Sargent, but of several of his subjects. The splendid writing takes you right into the high celebrity drama of the gilded age, and rounds out the painted portraits with all the life details one might want.

I hope that the actual printed publication is lavishly illustrated, as I admit I spent a great deal of time looking for the portraits and for any further imagery of the subjects. Particularly in reference to Lucia Fairchild. I also wonder at some of the author's choices when it comes to Fairchild sisters -- I quite agree that Lucia is probably the more interesting of the two, but given how little time is spent on Sally, it's really hard to tell.

Nonetheless , a wonderful read -- vibrant and illuminating both of art history and the lives of gilded age women.

advanced reader's copy provided by edelweiss.… (altro)