| Edition |
First edition. |
| Description |
xx, 311 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 25 cm |
|
text txt rdacontent |
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unmediated n rdamedia |
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volume nc rdacarrier |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-298) and index. |
| Contents |
Introduction. Four women, four lives, four paintings -- The pilgrim -- The sorcerer's apprentice -- The Madonna -- The collector -- Epilogue. The curtain closes. |
| Summary |
"In this seductive, multilayered biography, based on original letters and diaries, Donna M. Lucey illuminates four extraordinary women painted by the iconic high-society portraitist John Singer Sargent. With uncanny intuition, Sargent hinted at the mysteries and passions that unfolded in his subjects lives. Elsie Palmer traveled between her fathers Rocky Mountain castle and the medieval English manor house where her mother took refuge, surrounded by artists, writers, and actors. Elsie hid labyrinthine passions, including her love for a man who would betray her. As the veiled Sally Fairchild beautiful and commanding emerged on Sargents canvas, the power of his artistry lured her sister, Lucia, into a Bohemian life. The saintly Elizabeth Chanler embarked on a surreptitious love affair with her best friends husband. And the iron-willed Isabella Stewart Gardner scandalized Boston society and became Sargents greatest patron and friend. Like characters in an Edith Wharton novel, these women challenged societys restrictions, risking public shame and ostracism. All had forbidden love affairs; Lucia bravely supported her family despite illness, while Elsie explored Spiritualism, defying her overbearing father. Finally, the headstrong Isabella outmaneuvered the richest plutocrats on the planet to create her own magnificent art museum. These compelling stories of female courage connect our past with our presentand remind us that while women live differently now, they still face obstacles to attaining full equality."--Jacket flap. |
| Subject |
Myers, Elsie Palmer, 1872-1955.
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Fuller, Lucia Fairchild, 1872-1924.
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Chapman, Elizabeth Winthrop Chanler, 1866-1937.
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Gardner, Isabella Stewart, 1840-1924.
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Sargent, John Singer, 1856-1925 -- Friends and associates.
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Women -- United States -- Biography.
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Upper class women -- United States -- Biography.
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United States -- Biography.
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United States -- History -- 1865-1921.
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| Genre/Form |
Biographies.
|
| ISBN |
9780393079036 (hardcover) |
|
0393079031 (hardcover) |
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