John Singer Sargent

Rating:
Summary: Great content, not so great reproductions.
Review: First off, you will never be satisfied with any reproduction compared to the original painting. Sargent's paintings in the MFA in Boston looks like the paint was laid yesterday. But I have seen several reproductions of this work, the originals in the MFA and MOMA in NY, and of all the major books I have seen, this has the most disappointing reproductions. The colors seem muted and flat.
On the other hand, the information on each painting is great, and for specific info on his works in a one volume set, this can't be beat.

Rating:
Summary: Very Poor Reproductions of Some Beautiful Works
Review: Having seen the exhibit behind the book, I looked forward to reviewing the many gorgeous paintings I saw. Although the text in the book is fine, the pictures are alas not. Many are in black and white, but the real disappointment came in the color reproductions where things were really second rate, looking more suitable for postcards than a fine art book. I returned my copy to Amazon, and I would suggest you save your money unless there is no other way you will see some of his work. Very disappointing!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful painter. Why allmost unknown to us in Europa ?
Review: I am so ashamed that I haven`t heard of this great artist before I got this lovely book as a gift. We are so selfish here in Europa, that only french painters will do, but no--. John Sargent Singer widened my mind and eyes. Thank you. Wish we could have his exhibition here.

Rating:
Summary: Reproductions Leap from the Pages
Review: I found a battered and bruised copy of this collection in a bookstore and had ample time to compare the quality of the pictures with many of the highly rated, thicker Sargent compendiums. While the Carter book documents the technique and career of this master of light admirably, this publication stands as the one where Sargent's work seems most marvelously luminous. Though not an expert, I believe through comparison and quick makeshift measuring that the pictures are not only rendered most accuarately, but in some cases in better aspect ratios compared to the original sizes than many of the more expensive hardbacks. What a bargain!

Rating:
Summary: John Singer Sargent: Fashionable Portrait Painter
Review: I found no cause for criticism. The text was informative and accessible, offering a tantilizing glimps into the life of a brilliant artist who was the darling of the Victorian and Edwardian era's but whom has been subjected to much derision by succeding generations. Not having had the good fortune to have seen the recent exhibition, I found this book to be the next best thing. I would highly recommend it to anyone studying John Singer Sargent, and for the general reader alike.

Rating:
Summary: This is the best Sargent book so far
Review: I have no idea what the others are complaining about. I compared this Sargent book side by side at a book store with other published Sargent books, and this one had the best reproduction by far. It is even better than "John Singer Sargent : The Early Portraits (The Complete Paintings , Vol 1)", which is by the same author and editor as this one. Make no mistake, this is the best book so far I've seen on Sargent. I'm not concerned about the writing since I'm a fan of Sargent because I'm a painter, and he's one of the best there ever was. Sure I'd read the text, but it's not nearly as important as the reproductions of his paintings. It's all about the paintings, and he is an artist. That's all that matters.

Rating:
Summary: John Singer Sargent: Fashionable Portrait Painter
Review: I own both the Ratcliffe book on Sargent and Sargent Abroad, and I find this book to be a fine addition to my library of Sargent books. Frankly, the criticisms here regarding the reproductions are greatly overstated, in my opinion. I have no quarrel with the reprductions in my copy, except that I would welcome more detail shots and a larger format for the book in general. The abundance of notes and the photos of Sargent and his studio (etc.) have to be appreciated by any serious student of Sargent.

Rating:
Summary: A fine addition to the catalog of books on Sargent
Review: I own both the Ratcliffe book on Sargent and Sargent Abroad, and I find this book to be a fine addition to my library of Sargent books. Frankly, the criticisms here regarding the reproductions are greatly overstated, in my opinion. I have no quarrel with the reprductions in my copy, except that I would welcome more detail shots and a larger format for the book in general. The abundance of notes and the photos of Sargent and his studio (etc.) have to be appreciated by any serious student of Sargent.

Rating:
Summary: A satisfying book
Review: I saw this exhibit at the Tate Gallery, London. The exhibit was terrific, though something seemed lacking in the over all presentation. Sargent is one overlooked watercolorist. He is one of the greatest, on an equal or superior platform to Homer. His Valasquez like eye made him a superior artist, though he seemed to get trapped in his facile technique in society portraits. Sargent is an amazing artist. One whose personal power has always been challenged by those that believe technique is secondary. Tell that to someone who appreciates his lively beautiful brushwork and intelligent landscapes. They won't buy it! The reproductions are not second rate as stated previously. They are rather good!The essays are good reading too.

Rating:
Summary: A satisfying book
Review: I saw this exhibit at the Tate Gallery, London. The exhibit was terrific, though something seemed lacking in the over all presentation. Sargent is one overlooked watercolorist. He is one of the greatest, on an equal or superior platform to Homer. His Valasquez like eye made him a superior artist, though he seemed to get trapped in his facile technique in society portraits. Sargent is an amazing artist. One whose personal power has always been challenged by those that believe technique is secondary. Tell that to someone who appreciates his lively beautiful brushwork and intelligent landscapes. They won't buy it! The reproductions are not second rate as stated previously. They are rather good!The essays are good reading too.