Quote from this short video about Sargent's defiant admiration for Ingres (French master of line, contour and design). Sargent was working during the beginning of what I call the 'ugly movement' -"modernism". He and others like him were facing rising criticism for daring to be 'old fashioned', but we love him to this day because he pushed back against the ugly and won. Now it's our turn.
Love this channel, all of their videos are gold and a great way to develop your taste and aesthetics.