Nonchaloir (Repose)

Sargent's niece Rose-Marie Ormond rests on a sofa. The picture belongs to his shift from public commissions toward informal family studies. Body and clothing preserve the encounter's relaxed character. This leisure scene comes from the affluent prewar world shared by the painter and his circle.

Rose-Marie reclines against the sofa. The body rests on soft furniture without maintaining a formal pose.

Interwoven fingers rest over pale fabric. The hands remain quiet within the body's relaxed position.

Shining patterned cloth spreads across the seat. Broad strokes describe its folds and reflections.

A picture frame reflects golden light. Brief bright strokes add another material surface to the room.

Blue-green upholstery curves around the sitter. Its color separates pale clothing from the furniture.

Sargent was born in Florence to American parents living abroad. He worked for patrons on both sides of the Atlantic and made landscapes and watercolors. Family studies allowed freer treatment of pose and paint surface.