The article discusses the scandal surrounding John Singer Sargent's portrait of Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau, known as 'Madame X', which debuted at the 1884 Salon. Initially celebrated for his portraiture success, Sargent faced backlash when this particular painting was deemed unflattering, making Gautreau appear sickly and awkward instead of the beauty he aimed to portray. This incident exemplifies how a minor controversy can escalate into significant artistic scandal, reflecting societal standards of beauty and the unpredictable dynamics of public art reception.
Sargent's portrait of Gautreau, known as 'Madame X', shocked the public, who found her appearance sickly and awkward instead of the beauty he intended.
The controversy surrounding 'Madame X' highlighted societal tastes and expectations in art, revealing the thin line between acclaim and disdain.
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