1884 (ca.), John Singer Sargent, Unfinished Replica of "Madame X" (Study of Mme Gautreau) -- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) (special exhibition)
From the museum label: This painting has been called a study for Madame X, but it appears to be an unfinished replica. Analysis reveals that the figure is identical in size and pose to the final painting: Sargent was making a second version of his ambitious portrait. During his early career, the artist occasionally duplicated a major work to exhibit elsewhere or gift to a friend. Since Madame X was not commissioned, Sargent may have planned to present or sell one canvas to Gautreau and keep one for himself. He abandoned the replica before completing it—perhaps the portrait's controversial reception made a second version unnecessary. Unfortunately, Sargent made no indication of his intended position for her right shoulder strap. The meaning of the curious sketch of a head at lower left remains unclear.
1884 (ca.), John Singer Sargent, Unfinished Replica of "Madame X" (Study of Mme Gautreau) -- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) (special exhibition)
From the museum label: This painting has been called a study for Madame X, but it appears to be an unfinished replica. Analysis reveals that the figure is identical in size and pose to the final painting: Sargent was making a second version of his ambitious portrait. During his early career, the artist occasionally duplicated a major work to exhibit elsewhere or gift to a friend. Since Madame X was not commissioned, Sargent may have planned to present or sell one canvas to Gautreau and keep one for himself. He abandoned the replica before completing it—perhaps the portrait's controversial reception made a second version unnecessary. Unfortunately, Sargent made no indication of his intended position for her right shoulder strap. The meaning of the curious sketch of a head at lower left remains unclear.