Happy Birthday John Singer Sargent RA, born #onthisday in 1856 🎂 A prolific painter and draughtsman, Sargent was a leading portraitist of his generation, famed for evoking the luxury and elegance of wealthy Edwardian society. Born into an American family, Sargent spent his childhood travelling Europe before studying art in Paris. This painting was made at a villa near Florence where he stayed in 1910 with friends who included the artists Sir William Blake Richmond, and Wilfrid and Jane de Glehn. The villa features in several of Sargent's works and the model for all three women is believed to have been Jane de Glehn. John Singer Sargent RA, 'At Torre Galli: Ladies in a Garden', 1910. Oil on canvas. 71.1 cm x 91.5 cm. © Photo: Royal Academy of Arts, London. Photographer: John Hammond. #RoyalAcademy