Part two of todays post: Now, here is the Riley portrait done by John Singer Sargent, 1912. Notice how we are introduced to a thoughtful man (what real insight has Steele given us in the earlier portrait?). And not even introduced, we have walked in on his contemplations. Here is a man who writes, who thinks and commentates on life and others lives, and we have been allowed to quietly, politely intrude. Look at the clean tones that describe the face--a study of simplicity in design and execution. Look how restrained the highlights are around the mouth and chin to give the sitter a gentle demeanor. His writing craft comes easily to him-- a myth all successful men like perpetrate on their public. Then, look at the few bold accents used to anchor the head at the chin and jowl meeting, under the nose, and in front of the ear. Perfect. Compared to the Steele piece, look at how Sargent allowed the body to all but disappears into the background. The red ascot is much reduced in service of this idea. This is a painting about the head and hands-- the only necessary tools for a writer. And what about that right hand? Look at how awkward it is-- a strange execution for an artist renowned for his drawing talent. And its awkwardness is compounded by that ragged straight line of light down its arm. When I saw that I immediately went to Wikipedia. Well, we find out this piece was painted a couple years after Riley had a stroke. The photographer shooting a year later chose to hide the offending hand. Sargent gave it a not so subtle hearing. Sargent is usually under-appreciated for his bold arrangements of his sitters. He often looked for the unexpected choice while never overthrowing the Edwardian dignity celebrated at the time. Sargent is, likewise, a fine choice for studying highlights. Look at all the highlights in the piece and see how they are in service to the whole. For example, the polished wood of the front post for the arm of the chair--squinting at that can you see how restrained they are? We can bet they were far more striking than our friend Mr. Sargent chose to make them. Steve Huston
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 14:49:07 +0000
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