“Madame X” by John Singer Sargent
Originally painted in 1884, this was a portrait of a socialite from Paris named Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau. She was an American who moved to Paris who became famous for her beauty. Rumor has it that she had many love affairs, and that she used her looks to climb the social ladder. In the original painting, the jeweled strap of her dress is slipping off her shoulder. When the painting was done, Virginie was thrilled, and she couldn’t wait to see the public’s reaction at the Paris Salon. However, the art was seen as beeing far too sexual, and it caused a huge scandal in upper-class society. Sargent painted over the straps, and renamed the painting to “Madame X” to protect her identity. This was so embarrassing for him, he actually had to move to London to escape the scandal!