Mr. Sargent's Painting

"Street in Venice," by John Singer Sargent
1882, oil on wood.

I just finished reading a book on blogging that suggests pictures are a necessity to break up the text on the blog. I didn't want any old picture so I thought of what I would use on a book jacket when or if such an opportunity should arise. So now one of my favorite paintings graces my blog and it portrays who I think of as Isabel Archer when she was young and free, before Gilbert Osmond. The painting is, as it says, by John Singer Sargent and works well for my purpose. It was painted in 1882 and "The Portrait of a Lady" was published in 1880-81 so they work nicely together. Sargent spent much time painting in Venice. James fell in love with Venice working on TPOAL: He set most of the novel in Italy. Both were American expatriates highly regarded in their artistic endeavors. They were very good friends, knew many of the same people and were sought after. Both remained single throughout their lives. The artist painted HJ's portrait in 1913. I won't go any  further on Mr. Sargent, but you get the picture. I hope it inspires you to see the original in Washington D.C. It's one fantastic painting.

So now we have some visual interest, I've done my part. I have to get back to my sequel, no easy task.