John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

He was born in Florence, Italy, to nomadic American parents - predominantly based in Paris - who 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. From 1885, he based himself at Chelsea in London and was an important and prolific society artist in both Europe and America, described as the "leading portrait painter of his generation". He was unmarried & died at his home (31-33 Tite Street, London) which was both his home and his studio.