John Singer Sargent: Atelier Duran

"Carolus-Duran" by John Singer Sargent

"Carolus Duran's atelier was managed by some American students, who made a fixed charge to cover expenses. Duran gave his services for nothing. That was the general practice. A painter would look to a return for his services in the prestige of his studio, and the missionary work done on his behalf by his students. In all cases the advancement of art was a sufficient pretext.

The pupils of the Atelier Duran worked in a studio on the Boulevard Montparnasse. A model would be drawn on Monday and painting would begin on Tuesday. Twice a week, generally on Tuesday and Friday, Duran himself would descend from Olympus to review the work of his pupils. The visit was a very formal affair. Nothing was omitted that could add prestige to the occasion.

The Master's entry was the signal for the pupils to rise in their places, then while they stood beside their easels he would approach one or other of them, and after a moment's inspection of their work and without turning around, hold out his hand for the brush or pencil with which the pupil stood ready. Having made his corrections Duran would pass on to a neighbouring easel. His observations were brief and his commendations exceedingly rare. 

One day a week the whole class would adjourn to Duran's own studio, where, with the awe in those days more easily inspired, they would watch the Master at work. No great cordiality seems to have existed between Duran and his pupils. They were there to learn and he was there to teach, and that was the beginning and end of it.

It was, then, to such a workshop and under such a master that Sargent at the age of eighteen was admitted as a pupil."

To be continued

(Excerpts from "John Sargent" by Evan Charteris.)