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Ena and Betty, Daughters of Asher and Mrs Wertheimer - 1901

Here is a work that totally fails on the printed page, both due to the loss in size and the loss in texture and hue that only reality can restore. Trust me on this. It is a prime example of Sargent knowing exactly what moment of time to depict. The two sisters are confindently passing by us as they enter the room at some fete. One can sense their motion and the hedonistic pleasure they take in each others company and the moment. There is a journalistic fluid quality about this work that makes it immediate.

The glowing Kangxi vase on the right is a minor masterpiece itself as is the white gown, both achieved with bold, broad and confident brush strokes by Sargent now in his mid 40's.

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