July 1st, 2025–March 8th, 2026
The Met
Rediscovered after many years, the watercolors of Emily Sargent (1857–1936) reveal a world through her unique lens—combining clarity and emotional expressiveness. This distinct exhibition brings her luminous works to the forefront, positioning them within the rich artistic legacy of the Sargent family.
The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the creative bonds of one of the 19th-century’s most noteworthy artistic families. Alongside Emily’s watercolors, visitors encounter works by her elder brother, the celebrated portrait painter John Singer Sargent (1856–1925), and their mother, Mary Newbold Sargent (1826–1906). The family’s artistic pursuits were deeply interwoven, their seasonal European travels providing fertile ground for creative exchange and mutual encouragement. Mary, as a devoted mother, supported her children’s artistic ambitions, nurturing an environment where both son and daughter sketched and painted in tandem.
As John Singer Sargent’s bold portraiture gained wide acclaim, Emily quietly built her own remarkable body of work, which until now has remained largely unseen by the public eye. This exhibition, drawn exclusively from The Met’s collection, portrays the divergent paths the siblings embarked upon, illuminating the gendered challenges that women artists like Emily confronted during the late 19th century.
Emily Sargent: Portrait of a Family serves as a thoughtful complement to The Met’s renowned Sargent and Paris exhibition. At the heart of this showcase is a generous donation of 26 Emily Sargent watercolors from the artists’ heirs, marking their debut public presentation. This gift continues a proud tradition of family philanthropy that greatly enriched The Met’s holdings of Sargent artworks.
Thanks to the support of the William P. Rayner Fund, this exhibition invites audiences to discover and appreciate the delicate, yet vibrant artistry of Emily Sargent. It not only celebrates her individual vision but also invites reflection on the complex interplay of family, creativity, and societal expectations that shaped the artistic production of this remarkable family.
For more information, please visit the official exhibition page.
