A Remarkable Collection at Tate Britain

In July 2022, I had the privilege of visiting the Wertheimer Family Portraits exhibition at Tate Britain. Seeing John Singer Sargent’s portraits of the Wertheimer family gathered in one space was a deeply impactful experience. Not only was it incredible to witness the scale and cohesion of this series, but it also offered unparalleled insight into Sargent’s techniques and artistic philosophy.

The Portraits: A Family Captured in Art

The exhibition featured several portraits that showcased Sargent’s ability to capture individuality within a shared narrative. Among the works were:

1. Asher Wertheimer

2. Mrs. Asher Wertheimer

3. Mrs. Wertheimer

4. Ena and Betty, daughters of Asher and Mrs. Wertheimer

5. Portrait of Ena Wertheimer, A Vele Gonfie

6. Almina, daughter of Asher Wertheimer

7. Edward, son of Asher Wertheimer (unfinished)

8. Hylda, Almina, and Conway, children of Asher Wertheimer

9. Hylda, daughter of Asher and Mrs. Wertheimer

10. Alfred, son of Asher Wertheimer

This collection was extraordinary—not just in its scale but in how it revealed the Wertheimer family’s dynamics and individual personalities.

Sargent’s Technique: Structure Meets Impressionism

What struck me most during this exhibition was Sargent’s unique balance between meticulous structure and impressionistic freedom. While his mastery of light, colour, and tone aligns him with the Impressionist school, his approach revealed an underlying discipline rooted in traditional methods.

The unfinished portrait of Edward Wertheimer particularly stood out. Its visible underpainting provided a rare glimpse into Sargent’s process. Unlike Impressionists, who often rejected underpainting in favour of applying colour directly, Sargent’s burnt umber base suggests a more methodical approach. This foundation allowed him to return later with his characteristic impressionistic brushwork, layering colour to create vibrancy and depth.

This hybrid technique highlights Sargent’s brilliance as both a draftsman and a painter. While Impressionism emphasises colour relationships and natural light over lines, Sargent seamlessly incorporated both, achieving works of incredible refinement and energy.

Reflections on the Exhibition

Seeing the Wertheimer Family Portraits at Tate Britain was an inspiring and educational experience. It deepened my appreciation for Sargent’s ability to bridge structured academic training with the fluidity of modern painting. His work reminds us that great art often defies simple categorisation, blending tradition with innovation in surprising ways.

For anyone passionate about portraiture, this exhibition was a masterclass in both technique and storytelling. If you ever have the chance to see a collection like this, don’t miss it—there’s nothing quite like experiencing Sargent’s artistry in person.