John Singer Sargent was the premiere portraitist of his generation, well-known for his depictions of high society figures in Paris, London, and New York. He updated a centuries-old tradition by using vibrant Impressionistic brushstrokes and untraditional compositions to capture his sitters’ character and reputation. Sargent’s pursuits were not limited to portraiture; he also painted impressionistic landscapes, executed “en plein air” alongside his friend Claude Monet. He also executed murals for the United States’ and United Kingdom’s governments as well as a good number of nude sketches probably meant as personal works. (The Art Story)