Iconic Painters Duel: Sickert vs Sargent | Perspective
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- čas přidán 20. 05. 2022
- Waldemar Januszczak presents this battle between two of the early 20th Century's best-loved painter, Walter Sickert & John Singer Sargent. The film focuses on some of the most beautiful and alarming paintings ever made in this country; evokes the long-lost atmosphere of Edwardian London; and above all, shows that these two immigrants were waging a war over nothing less than the future soul of British art.
🥊 Who won? Have Your Say In The Comments!
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From Sickert vs Sargent
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#WaldemarJanuszczak #JohnSingerSargent #WalterSickert
I am an artist myself. Sargent was the greatest portraitist who ever lived. His work has to be seen in person. His skills bordered on magic.
I agree 100%
I agree, in person just amazing
Yes sir
@@667hodge everything in art is arguable. What do you have to say to refute that statement?
I think comparing these 2 artists is like comparing apples to tomatoes. Nirvana to B.B. King. They both present something very different. One is showing the dark reality of average life in that time & the other is presenting a powdered-up dressed for the ball so to speak moment representing high society & fashion. In my opinion, they both employ the perfect approach for their chosen subject. If we were to reverse the subject without swapping styles, the results would b awkward. I view their vision & execution as being equal.
I absolutely love Waldermar, what an absolute delight the way he explains things!! It's just makes everything sound so fascinating and I'm so glad you are posting more video of him. It's a great pleasure 🙏
I absolutely love Waldermar too. What a sensation.
Tu
Yes an absolute comic genius
Even Sargent's teacher in his portrait looked annoyed at how good Sargent was.
You're so right. He seems to be thinking, "Oh, really?"
Never underestimate how competitive most artists are, even with their best friends and lovers.
"...and you know how the French can be, about Americans." Plus lots more dry comedy gold.
This has been added to my Waldemar is the MAN list.
Your viewers should understand that Singer’s interpretation of the privileged, elitists of his time shouldn’t diminish the “Substance” of his work even if he was one of them
Imagine if people did the same with the fictions of Henry James and Edith Wharton. Sometimes it seems as though it takes a lot of effort for many people to admire the quality of a work, rather than the subject.
Another satisfying Waldemar documentary. Nice to include the kids.
Your "poor" daughters are great! Your style of making the series of films is like modern art: personal context, spontaneity and immediacy, very alike the subject matter, really fun and enlightening.
Agree! Lovely girls ❤️
🤭
Waldemar J.'s films are a guaranteed delight and never disappoint. His knowledge mixed with his unique personal viewpoint produce a most enjoyable experience. Bravo, Mr J. !!!
There’s no comparison, they’re so different. I have been a great fan of John Singer Sargent for decades and I think he’s underrated. I hope more people appreciate his paintings
He IS underrated- but not by anyone who has ever painted a portrait.
He is one of my favorite, but I (like many) see or attempt to consider the subject chosen by the painter & then how or why they choose to present those moments in a certain way. In this case, both artists r painting very different subject matter. I think they both employ the perfect approach to each. If we swapped subjects between the two while they both executed their standard style/voice, I think both would create something awkward.
We should start knowing that the artist (especially a master) is making a choice in place of assuming they cant draw or paint as representationally as another. When we assume instead that these r intentional choices, then we have a chance to see everything they r communicating.
Stylistically u might just prefer Sargents choices, but as much as I love his choices, I do not want to see every subject painted by every artist in the same light.
@@kindnessfirst9670 This is so true!
I know their styles are different but I don't think there's any comparison. Sargent is a vastly superior artist in my opinion.
I would never have conceived of anyone comparing Sickert to Sargent but this was very enjoyable. If I could have the gifts of any artists in history I would have picked Sargent only after JMW Turner.
Another brilliant film by Waldemar the Great as I now call him. Brings art and artists to life like no other.
Excellent contrast of artists! (A big admirer of Sargent, I had never heard of Sickert). But no need to pit them against each other when they compliment each other in the times. The gilded era wasn't all "it girls" and high society. Neither was it all prostitutes and dark rumors. I think one artist makes me appreciate the other all the more. Thank you!
The curious thing for me is that Madame X is possibly the most beautiful portrait in the world, while admiting Sickert is more substantial, I could never have one of his paintings in my home. Less of all in my room : could you sleep there?
I could. Sargent is motly just kitsch.
I'd have to hang it over the bed so it wasn't looking at me the whole time. Or you could hang it facing the bed in the guest bedroom when you're having a hard time shifting guests out of the house...
@@karlkarlos3545 And what's wrong with that? Putting up a painting just because someone tells you you should like it, even if you don't, is silly. It's perfectly fine to enjoy kitsch if it gives you joy. People can prefer more than one type of art depending on their mood, just like you can listen to lighter or more meaningful music at different times of your life. Art appreciation should be free from guilt or embarrassment. Otherwise it's a chore, rather than a pleasure.
Also, Sargent's technical ability is enough to bring a substantial amount of admiration and awe, regardless of theme.
@@Palmieres What are you talking about?
@@Palmieres absolutely! Reminds me if Getty's collection at Sutton Place: crap art by famous artists.
Singer Sargent's watercolours of Venice etc mean that he has an added dimension which makes him the winner hands down.
Total agreement
"...and I forced my own poor daughters to sing it." That's what I like about Waldemar: he's not just knowledgable and eager to spread his knowledge, he also has a great sense of humor. Thank you for uploading these series.
Was that a joke?
A more apt comparison would be Sickert with any of the Ashcan painters.
yep, and Sargeant with Joaquin Sorolla. But, I guess that comparison doesn't give you the opportunity to play the "it's grungy and harsh so its better game" that is all too often the default agenda.
Finally some Sargent
One thing I feel doesn’t get enough love are Sargent’s watercolors. They’re bold and confident with punchy colors and strong contrasts between light and shadow. I love his oil paintings, but his watercolors and charcoal sketches are almost more impressive to me. An oil painting you can tweak over and over again but to be that bold with watercolor takes real flair. His watercolors are also a lot more personal than his portraits, he was painting what he liked and what interested him. They’re gorgeous.
totally agrre! though i hasten to add that his use of oils were fast and bold, yet incredibly delicate. its true that only a master can be bold with watercolour
Awesome as always. So many juicy tidbits. Sargent wins for me simply because I have a thing for Chinese lanterns and our world is too dark right now. Thank you!
I personally agree with you. All art is subjective and what we would enjoy having in our homes is not necessarily what we would appreciate as an artist's success at accomplishing his/her objective in creating their work. Thank you for your comment.
@@fleur7891 Astute comments. There are some great artists whom one would not necessarily want to see all of the time-Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud come to mind. The modern cult of ugliness takes precedence over the pursuit of beauty. Art should represent civilisation at its highest level but some artist particularly contemporary ones wish to drag it down to the lowest level.
'Piquant provocation'? Is that what that is? It's in the eye of the beholder, no? Whatever. What is clear is that Sargent appreciated women, while Sickert's eye humiliates them.
Or might Sickert have painted women who were humiliated by the lives they led and the society/milieux they led them in? Perhaps in solidarity?
How wonderful. I love Waldemar so much!!! His films are so clever and entertaining. Just a joy to watch! 🤩 I hope he continues making these marvels for years to come. What a treat!
Very well done Waldermar [ as always I might add]. As An aging artist now 70, and classically trained Sargent is one of the greatest Portrait artists of all time.[ my opinion.] Sickert on the other hand always looks for the mood of the painting. This can be light, location subject etc. Each followed a different discipline in art. Sickert in the 21st century is the winner. You look into the soul of the man expressing his realty through his art. A genius with canvas and paint. As a professional artist myself i wish I could paint like Sickert, but alas I cannot. Sargent , yes. I hope you can fathom the dichotomy this causes, painting portraits like Sargent but wishing for Sickert. Last note: you refer in your wrap at the end to 18th century, rather than 19th century. no matter it's a fabulous show as all you work testifies. Yes I've watched them all
You sound very talented , please enjoy your talent as it is your gift to you and the world.
Made my day. Sargent for me....
and I "forced" my own poor daughter to sing it. lol. I bet she was happy to do it for dad. Thanks for another wonderful, educational and insightful presentation.
Sergeant’s paintings are always a rewarding delight to the eye and sensibility. He adored women and made even ordinary women shine with a spark of beauty. The world Seargent paints is light and radiant. Sickest however was a drear dark drudge… joyless in so many ways… let alone adding in Jack the Ripper. Every time I see a Seargeant painting I thrill to the artist’s skill. The living light in the portraits is something no camera can capture. I don’t see why Seargeant doesn’t win the highest artistic accolades. Just because an artist is crude, I don’t think that makes them a more significant artist. Sergeant is the Mozart of painting portraits… Sickert is the monkey grinder’s organ. Lol!
Stupid comparison.Just because an artist doesn't float your boat doesn't make him less of an artist. Sickert celebrated life too. In his paintings of music halls, theatres and domestic interior scenes you gain an appreciation of the vitality of popular culture as well as the drabness of lives lived then. He was a man for all seasons unlike Sargent who was studio bound and painted accomplished portraits for fat commissions. Sickert was complex, forthright with a difficult personality, and could never be accused of blandness or conformity. Certainly,he would seem a much more interesting character than Sargent. His American counterpart was admired for his technique but bedevilled by criticisms of superficiality in his portraiture. He later specialised in murals and working en plein air and expressed mixed feelings about his earlier work. You state you don't understand why Sargent doesn't achieve higher praise. However,his reputation has undergone a reappraisal by some critics who admire his work and regard him as a post impressionist.But,then you obviously didn't know that such is your supreme confidence in your ignorance. Indeed it's difficult to take you seriously, particularly when you're simply incapable of correctly spelling the name of a painter you profess to admire so much. How strange.
Aways, the most sensitive approach and usually the most engaging exploration. However I enjoyed that bit with your daughters, it made me smile and humanized you a bit more. Congratulations on having two beautiful children. Thanks once again for another informative and impactful conversation.
Although they were contemporaries I've never thought of making a comparison, which made this documentary all the more enticing. Sargent was indeed tied to the 18th century, but he did it with such bravura and facility that it is impossible not to be drawn to the magic of his paintings. Sickert, on the other hand was indeed more the man of his time. The emotional intensity and the darkness of his paintings were perhaps a portend of the darkness that would engulf Europe in the 20th century. Having said that, he was also still part of an earlier tradition in art that was being pulled down by the Modernism movement in Europe. Looking at them both now in 2022 and detaching them from their time I find them both too interesting to declare winner in this match. A draw?
Waldemar should be declared a National Treasure!
How was Sargent tied to the 18th century? He was born in the 19th century and most of his career was in the 20th century. Nothing of his style was typical of the painting of the 18th century. It’s a bit of a nonsensical comment
Each artist is a perfect expression of separate but parallel life-worlds of Edwardian London. Both are great in their own way, but let's just say it's Waldemar who wins the round!
Waldemar, you are amazing (as always). Absolutely charming that you included your lovely daughters in this program and the fact that you unearthed the music to that song .... well, obviously you are in a class by yourself and it is much appreciated by many of us, without a doubt. Please don't ever stop. We NEED you! Thank you again, for being great!
In the contest between Waldemar Januszczak and other art historians, it's a KO for him! This was so creatively presented!
Great programme as always; I think Sargent's watercolours would have deserved a mention, he devoted a great deal of effort to them in his later years, and they show another side of his talent.
I’ve been looking forward to this episode for weeks. It was as advertised! Waldemar is always perfect. ❤
🧑🏽🎨 I love Perspective ❤️
Specially with Waldemar..
Everything he explains has more meaning, more intense meaning. Definitely my favorite art Documenter 🎨
I wish he could tell my story.
Until the price went up to $25, I used to visit Madam X every year along with other Sargent portraits at the Met in NYC
When I grow up I want to be like Waldemar! :)
Ahhh... my favorite art critic/historan! Truly a pleasure to watch as Waldemar makes storytelling its own art form. Also, Seargent wins this bout in my opinion. His portraiture is absolutely stunning, and I wish that type of painting was more popular today.
Well done , great singing in behalf of your daughter🙏🏼❤️
Waldemar, please do Dali … Ole!
Waldemar Januszczak is a great Teacher, Presenter, and Communicator! I will not miss a single one of his videos.
"...and I've forced my own poor daughters to sing it". 6:19 Much of the charm of this series comes from the editing in of related materials and I was just thinking how damn charming it was to have these two girls playing and singing this song, especially with their dresses and braces. At that moment, I discovered that these are the daughters of Waldemar. Wow. I love this guy and I love this art series. It's informative and entertaining.
I'm surprised/puzzled, that in the wrap up, Waldemar twice says "18th century" when his subject has been of the late 19th and early 20th century.
I think it was deliberated, Sargent indeed is closer to the optimism of Reynolds and Gainsborough. Sickert on the other hand is pure XX century bleakness.
It is a trait of much spoken speakers to sometimes misspeak without realizing that at the time. Good catch on your part, thank you for your comment.
@@petrolillos Your comment is most interesting and may be correct, thank you for sharing.
@@fleur7891 The 18th century was said deliberately, I think. If it had been a mistake, they would have shot the section of the presentation again
So enjoy your work
🧑🏽🎨 always do ❤️
Why try turning Art and artists into a fight? Why not peacably enjoy them both?
Its specifically about their contemporary popularity, and whether or not one was considered better by the public, it seems. Not that you cant enjoy both lol.
@@glumsulk who really cares who's the more important? Who is biying either?
It’s just a “ploy” to expose each artist’s work. No one involved actually gets knockered in the face.
Sargent is a better painter, without question. And his sketches are beautiful too. But Sickert’s work actually makes me feel more. There’s a sort of weird nostalgia in his paintings, as though even when he painted it he was feeling the moment’s impermanence. They feel like someone’s memories, faded and ordinary but the best or most memorable moments of some person’s life. I dunno, they’re haunting.
i was just looking for this yesterday after hearing it in waldemar's top 3 on this channel!
Good film but utterly ridiculous to compare the two. Both are very good artist’s but are just totally different. To say Sickert is more substantial is just ridiculous in terms of his place, importance and substance in history. I had never even heard of Sickert until I watched this film (as I suspect of most viewers).
I'd never heard of Sargent, but knew quite a lot about Sickert after a visit to the MoMA turned me into a fan.
I agree strongly- one look at a Sargent watercolor and u know he is a master artist equals to the best who ever held a brush.
It got you to watch the film, didn’t it?
Thank you again and again and..........another rich and wonderful film!!!!!!!!
Absolutely fascinating. It's so much more than just a lecture about Art. The biographies and stories make the artists come alive along with their art. And both become memorable. Thank you. And please keep making these wonderful videos.
The best!
Mr Waldemar it has a wonderful way of talking and an admiring knowledge about the subjects that he choose in every video. I love his style, and I think that it has an enormous potential toward the way of telling about arts.
Pure joy to watch ! Beautiful, just beautiful ! THANK YOU !
Waldemar ,you are a treasure . But I think you know that. Anyway thank you for these priceless documentaries.
Wonderful as always, filled lots of gaps in the lives of these 2 great artists.
As a portrait artist,I have studied & copied Sargent's works & they always amaze me
The ending by Waldemar was especially brilliant and demonstrates he is the voice that our World needs. Thank you so very much for all that you do! God Bless, and Happy Easter pal!
Waldemar, my native language is portuguese, but all my life I've studied English and art history. With you, I do both and is always so interesting and amusing. Your work is the best. Thank you.
You are a joy to listen to and learn. Thank you so much.
I´ve just discovered Perspective. It turned a rainy, gray day into something wonderful! Thanks, Waldemar J!
So good, so good.
Thank you, always interesting!
Thanks for making this video about this kind of art accessible to people from Sickert's side of the tracks. This video is awesome.
I just watched your Michelangelo Sistine Chapel Secret documentary today on Sky Arts, 2+ hours beautifully spent. Love the art, the buildings and your story telling is amazing - Thank you so much!
Thank you...... As per usual,...fascinating.
Excellent! Thank you.
WHEN ARE WE GOING TG O SEE VALDEMAR AS A LEADING ROLL IN A MASTER THRILLER
LOL
Totally wonderful. Thank you Waldemar you are a star!
I love content like this! This is what I need! Thank you thank you 😊
I have learned so much by watching your videos! Thank you for putting these together. :)
Fabulous as always 💐
Wonderful, thank you Waldemar from a Canadian Gautreau who has always studied John Singer Sargent with interest
Bardzo dziękuję za kolejną fascynującą podróż do świata sztuki. Z niecierpliwością czekam na każdą kolejną wyprawę. Pozdrowienia z Krakowa!
Exactly!
This show is a real force of tour. So much to admire from these artists and Januszczak’s analysis.
The second time I've watched this all the way through and just as enjoyable! I think I've watched 15 or perhaps more of Waldy's shows and many podcasts.
Waldemar, this is your best art history video yet! I never tire of them and keep on learning from you with your wonderful frank sense of humor. I love your choices of music. I love your daughter's singing - and I assume the piano accompaniment, the minor version of "Daisy, Daisy" and I have a greater appreciation for wide angle photography from the excellent videography throughout the series. As long as you can, please continue making these very enjoyable presentations.
Excellent,excellent,excellent presentation!!! Fascinating and unforgettable.
Oh but I think Sargent could and did present a view of a harsh, cruel future when he painted his tableau of WWI soldiers suffering from mustard gas. It's a heartbreaker.
I can listen to this guy all day, he's opened my eyes to art, ty
Brilliant again the always interesting Waldemar! Thank you, was riveted. Keep filming Sir.
There are "van Goghs", "Monets", "Sargents".... this is yet another true Januszczak. Like a true artist, with every brush stroke Waldemar takes you by the hand and leads you into the picture. I sit and watch in amazement.
I love all the amazing work that you’ve done, thank you so much. I enjoy watching all of your productions.🙏🏻🏆🙌
Just happened across this - what a thoroughly enjoyable hour! Waldemar has such a unique way of presenting that makes his subjects so interesting and compelling to watch. Very thought provoking viewpoints and always injected with a sense of humour or tongue in cheek perspective. Looking out for more - Subscribed.
What an amazing soundtrack on this Art documentary -- a clever highlight is "A Bicycle Built for Two" in a minor key during the description of Sickert's lighting technique.
another great treat from Waldemar!! The magic touch is still there.
Brilliant, as usual ! !
Love you, Waldemar!
OMGoodness....the best channel on YT since the inception!. wow.
Can't believe I'm watching youtube for excellent content. Bravo!
I've only just discovered Waldemar. Brilliant! I'm hooked, I love his insight, his dark sense of humour and truly impressive knowledge in Art History
Love love your documentaries. I feel my soul has been fed. ❤❤
Thank you for all your work 🙏❤️🙏
Thanks Waldy..have missed u !
I watch anything Waldemar hosts. Another hit!
thank you!
I love this series as all of Waldy's are so interesting. I've learned so much. Sickert & Sargent need to meet Bellows!
Great documentary by Waldermar again! !
In the children's book, The family at one end street, the Ruggles call their first daughter Lily Rose after the Sargent painting mentioned at the start of the film. 60 years later I've stumbled on an image and background info. It's never too late to learn stuff! All that chat about Mornington Crescent tickled me as well!
Think I'll have to watch it again.
brilliant and compelling as always Waldemar.
Informative and enjoyable! 😎🎉👍👍
You are brilliant x
Back in the late ‘80s, I saw a wonderful Sargent exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago. Being a college student who was just starting to get into art, I really didn’t yet appreciate portraiture as a genre. It took seeing Sargent’s work to change my mind. I fell in love with his style and his ability to bring life to his subjects. Madame X and Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose were stunning works, but my favorite was Mr. and Mrs. I.N. Phelps Stokes. I just stared at that painting for minutes, creating an entire story of their lives in my head.
I used to make a practice of going to transition points to find characters for my stories. A train station, an underground, a dockside, even a lowly bus station, have "types", within which reside individual stories.
For entirely different reasons, and along divergent roads, both artists require your participation for their works to truly live. And that after all, is the purpose of all types of art.
Just fantastic, love your films