The story behind John Singer Sargent’s iconic painting, Portrait of Madame X, rarely focuses on on the life of its subject, Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau. A prominent Parisian socialite known for her striking beauty, Amélie's story before and after Sargent's portrait speaks volumes about attitudes towards women in the elite circles of Belle Époque Paris.Today's artwork: John Singer Sargent, Portrait of Madame X (1884). Oil on Canvas. Metropolitan Museum of Art.____________This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ARTHISTORY and take a step toward a more fulfilled, more curious you.____________New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch!Subscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator.Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.comInstagram: @artofhistorypodcastLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices