Deborah Davis

John Singer Sargent

Shares the story behind the creation of Sargent's famous painting, which propelled the artist to fame but condemned his young subject to a lifetime of ridicule and self-loathing due to the work's perceived sexuality.

John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

Strapless

Shares the story behind the creation of John Singer Sargent's famous painting, which propelled the artist into international renown but condemned his young subject, Virginie Gautreau of New Orleans, to a lifetime of public ridicule and self-loathing due to the work's perceived sexuality. Reprint. 17,500 first printing.

Melody Izard

I have to say I wanted the characters in the tale to stay put in New Orleans. But they were just there ever so briefly then the rest of the activity takes place in France. 

People are just so gossipy and ridiculous. Just to think someone's reputation was ruined by a strap of a dress painted loose on the arm. 

Another observation during the book: I really can not believe how much time was spent on dressing and donning make-up etc. on a daily basis.

Strapless John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X