John Singer Sargent
American, 1856­1925
Mrs. George Swinton
1897
Oil on canvas
230.5 x 123.8 cm
Wirt D. Walker Collection, 1922.4450

The beauty of the lady and the richness and sheen of the satin and silk fabrics she wears indicate she is wealthy and important.

The artist, Sargent, was a friend of Mrs. Swinton’s, and they often met at dinner parties, where he played the piano after dinner while she sang. Sargent was much liked as a portrait painter and we come to know many of the famous people from the turn of the century through his paintings.