John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

He was born in Florence, Italy, to nomadic American parents who were predominantly based in Paris but roamed Europe for the benefit of his mother's health. He studied art in Paris and became close friends with Ralph Wormeley Curtis and an important member of the Barbaro Set in Venice, keeping a studio at Ca' Rezzonico. From 1885, he based himself in London and was a frequent guest at Ightham Mote. In high society in both Europe and America he was considered to be, "the leading portrait painter of his generation". He was unmarried and died at 31-33 Tite Street in London which was both his home and his studio.