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Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X
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Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X Paperback - 2004

by Deborah Davis

Drawing on myriad documents and featuring such personalities of the time as Oscar Wilde and Richard Wagner, this story of a famous painting by John Singer Sargent offers a tale of art and celebrity, obsession and betrayal. 17,500


Summary

The subject of John Singer Sargent's most famous painting was twenty-three-year-old New Orleans Creole Virginie Gautreau, who moved to Paris and quickly became the "it girl" of her day. A relative unknown at the time, Sargent won the commission to paint her; the two must have recognized in each other a like-minded hunger for fame.

Unveiled at the 1884 Paris Salon, Gautreau's portrait generated the attention she craved-but it led to infamy rather than stardom. Sargent had painted one strap of Gautreau's dress dangling from her shoulder, suggesting either the prelude to or the aftermath of sex. Her reputation irreparably damaged, Gautreau retired from public life, destroying all the mirrors in her home.

Drawing on documents from private collections and other previously unexamined materials, and featuring a cast of characters including Oscar Wilde and Richard Wagner, Strapless is a tale of art and celebrity, obsession and betrayal.

From the publisher

Deborah Davis is the author of Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and his Black and White Ball (Wiley, April 2006), and Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X (Tarcher/Putnam, 2003). Her most recent book is The Secret Lives Of Frames: One Hundred Years of Art and Artistry (Filapacchi, 2007).

First line

Eighteen fifty-seven was a good year for Anatole Avegno and a great year for New Orleans.

Details

  • Title Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X
  • Author Deborah Davis
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 310
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Tarcherperigee, Los Angeles, California, U.s.a.
  • Date 2004-05-03
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated, Index, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9781585423361 / 158542336X
  • Weight 0.63 lbs (0.29 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.24 x 5.56 x 0.86 in (20.93 x 14.12 x 2.18 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2003050724
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

Media reviews

"A stunner about a stunner." —The Philadelphia Inquirer

Citations

  • New York Times, 09/05/2004, Page 20

About the author

Deborah Davis is the author of Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and his Black and White Ball (Wiley, April 2006), and Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X (Tarcher/Putnam, 2003). Her most recent book is The Secret Lives Of Frames: One Hundred Years of Art and Artistry (Filapacchi, 2007).
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Strapless
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Strapless

by Deborah Davis

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Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X
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Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

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Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

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Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

by Deborah Davis

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

by Deborah Davis

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

by Davis, Deborah

  • Used
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  • Paperback
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Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781585423361 / 158542336X
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Seattle, Washington, United States
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CA$9.79
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Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X
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Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

by Davis, Deborah

  • Used
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Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781585423361 / 158542336x
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Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

by Davis, Deborah

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781585423361 / 158542336x
Quantity Available
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Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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CA$10.47
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Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Strapless : John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X

by Davis, Deborah

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781585423361 / 158542336x
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
CA$10.47
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
CA$10.47
FREE shipping to USA