Ada Rehan (between 1894 and 1895)
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
We are delighted to feature John Singer Sargent's entrancing portrait of Ada Rehan, painted between 1894 and 1895. This exquisite work of art depicts Ada Rehan, a prominent actress of the late 19th century, known for her roles in Shakespearean plays and her vibrant presence on the American and British stage.Sargent beautifully captures Rehan’s elegance and theatrical aura in a dynamic, yet intimate pose. Ada stands before us in a flowing gown of luminous white, the fabric detailed with finesse to suggest softness and volume. Her posture is relaxed but poised, one hand delicately holding a fan—a nod to her profession's dramatic arts.The backdrop is a whirl of abstracted colors and forms, which may suggest the dynamic nature of the stage settings where Rehan performed. These bold brushstrokes create a sense of movement, contrasting with the detailed realism of her figure. Her expression is confident yet approachable, a testament to her stature as a beloved and respected figure in the theater.This painting not only showcases Sargent’s mastery of portraiture but also immortalizes Ada Rehan’s significant contribution to the performing arts.
Delivery
Returns
Born in Florence to American expatriate parents, John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) is considered Europe's leading portrait painter of the Edwardian era. He was educated at both Accademia delle Belle Arti and Paris's École des Beaux Arts. While in Paris, under the guidance of Émile–Auguste Carolus–Duran, a portraitist and muralist, Sargent learned to paint directly from observation without first sketching, employing a fluidity, influenced by the Impressionists. Sargent created more than 2,900 paintings, mainly portraits and landscapes from his travels across the Atlantic, Europe, the Middle East and America.