William Marshall Cazalet (Primary Title)
John Singer Sargent, American (born Italy), 1856 - 1925 (Artist)
This splendid full-length portrait unites the artist’s distinctive grand manner style with his mature impressionistic technique, recalling Sir Thomas Gainsborough’s aristocratic portraits of the previous century (below). Gazing out at the viewer, Cazelet holds the reins of his tacked-up bay hunter. Turned out in his formal colors, he announces his elevated place as a master huntsman through his square-skirted jacket with its five gilt buttons. The results insinuate an important evolution in the Cazalet family. William’s father made his fortune in trade with tsarist Russia. The purchase of the estate, called Fairlawne, and its stock of horses symbolized the family’s rise to patrician power and leisure. Sargent’s bravura style is complicit in conveying the family’s social elevation from commerce to land.
Signed and dated at lower left: "John S. Sargent 1902"
Donated by James W. McGlothlin as part of the James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Collection of American Art
"American Art from the McGlothlin Collection" Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (1 May - 18 July 2010).
"Sargent Exhibition in Japan," Isetan Museum of Art, Tokyo (January 26 - February 23, 1989); The Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art, Yamaguchi (March 2 - April 2, 1989); The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, Kumamoto (April 8 - May 7, 1989); The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga (May 13 - June 11, 1989) no. 38.
"Royal Academy Memorial Exhibition," Royal Academy, London (1926) no. 399.
"Sargent Exhibition in Japan," Isetan Museum of Art, Tokyo (January 26 - February 23, 1989); The Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art, Yamaguchi (March 2 - April 2, 1989); The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, Kumamoto (April 8 - May 7, 1989); The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga (May 13 - June 11, 1989) no. 38.
"Royal Academy Memorial Exhibition," Royal Academy, London (1926) no. 399.
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