Was Sargent's work considered controversial?
Indeed, some of my works generated considerable discussion, even scandal. The portrait of Madame Gautreau, 'Madame X,' for example, caused a stir due to the sitter's provocative pose and my frank depiction of her. My aim was not to shock, but to represent what I saw with honesty. I understood that my approach, which emphasized the visual truth and often a certain boldness of execution, could challenge conventional expectations of beauty and decorum.
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