American drawings and watercolors in the Metropolitan Museum of Art : John Singer Sargent /

Over the last few years, a variety of publications have appeared on the career of American painter John Singer Sargent. Exhibition catalogs and commentaries on the various aspects of his art have broadened the understanding of this acclaimed artist. Herdrich and Weinberg (Metropolitan Museum of Art) present a meticulous scholarly examination of the museum's important collection of Sargent sketches and watercolors that includes, notably, drawings associated with the famous painting Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau). Geared more to art historians than to general readers, the book contains authoritative entries on more than 300 items, all abundantly illustrated, often in outstanding color. The authors discuss the formation of the museum's Sargent holdings, provide a detailed chronology and exhibition history, and include a good bibliography and index. Marjorie Shelley, a specialist in paper conservation, contributes a clear and precise essay on Sargent's "experimentation with various materials" and the development "of his skills as a draftsman." In short, a highly recommendable work of scholarship that can take its place beside Richard Ormond and Elaine Kilmurray's John Singer Sargent: Complete Paintings. v.1: The Early Portraits (CH, Nov'98). A must for any serious student of Sargent's work. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. W. S. Rodner; Tidewater Community College