Battle Of The Brush: Walter Sickert Vs John Singer Sargent With Waldemar Januszczak

Waldemar Januszczak presents this battle between two of the early 20th Century's best-loved painter, Walter Sickert & John Singer Sargent. The film focuses on some of the most beautiful and alarming paintings ever made in this country; evokes the long-lost atmosphere of Edwardian London; and above all, shows that these two immigrants were waging a war over nothing less than the future soul of British art.
🥊 Who won? Have Your Say In The Comments!
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From Sickert vs Sargent
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#WaldemarJanuszczak #JohnSingerSargent #WalterSickert

[@mojohn825]

Another brilliant film by Waldemar the Great as I now call him. Brings art and artists to life like no other.

[@QwertiusMaximus]

Even Sargent's teacher in his portrait looked annoyed at how good Sargent was.

[@susanmercurio1060]

You're so right. He seems to be thinking, "Oh, really?"

[@salassian3162]

Never underestimate how competitive most artists are, even with their best friends and lovers.

[@dmqb9311]

This has been added to my Waldemar is the MAN list.

[@GeorgeTennesseeWiseman]

Waldemar, you are amazing (as always). Absolutely charming that you included your lovely daughters in this program and the fact that you unearthed the music to that song .... well, obviously you are in a class by yourself and it is much appreciated by many of us, without a doubt. Please don't ever stop. We NEED you! Thank you again, for being great!

[@kindnessfirst9670]

I am an artist myself. Sargent was the greatest portraitist who ever lived. His work has to be seen in person. His skills bordered on magic.

[@brigidine37]

I agree 100%

[@ladycharlotte8693]

I agree, in person just amazing

[@markhousel2712]

Yes sir

[@markhousel2712]

@@667hodge everything in art is arguable. What do you have to say to refute that statement?

[@friedricengravy6646]

I think comparing these 2 artists is like comparing apples to tomatoes. Nirvana to B.B. King. They both present something very different. One is showing the dark reality of average life in that time & the other is presenting a powdered-up dressed for the ball so to speak moment representing high society & fashion. In my opinion, they both employ the perfect approach for their chosen subject. If we were to reverse the subject without swapping styles, the results would b awkward. I view their vision & execution as being equal.

[@cinereus3601]

Finally some Sargent

[@dqskymagne2762]

"...and I've forced my own poor daughters to sing it". 6:19 Much of the charm of this series comes from the editing in of related materials and I was just thinking how damn charming it was to have these two girls playing and singing this song, especially with their dresses and braces. At that moment, I discovered that these are the daughters of Waldemar. Wow. I love this guy and I love this art series. It's informative and entertaining.

[@adhoc9647]

Pure joy to watch ! Beautiful, just beautiful ! THANK YOU !

[@barbarasterner7863]

I´ve just discovered Perspective. It turned a rainy, gray day into something wonderful! Thanks, Waldemar J!

[@damienkearns3654]

I just watched your Michelangelo Sistine Chapel Secret documentary today on Sky Arts, 2+ hours beautifully spent. Love the art, the buildings and your story telling is amazing - Thank you so much!

[@jnhinton]

In the contest between Waldemar Januszczak and other art historians, it's a KO for him! This was so creatively presented!

[@ILoveWoolerbear]

Wow, yet another brilliant film by Waldemar! His presentation and knowledge and humor are unparallel to any scholar art historian. You are the greatest!

[@keybawd4023]

Absolutely fascinating. It's so much more than just a lecture about Art. The biographies and stories make the artists come alive along with their art. And both become memorable. Thank you. And please keep making these wonderful videos.

[@gems34]

So enjoy your work

[@TonyMiller.13]

🧑🏽‍🎨 always do ❤️

[@marygem]

Why try turning Art and artists into a fight? Why not peacably enjoy them both?

[@glumsulk]

Its specifically about their contemporary popularity, and whether or not one was considered better by the public, it seems. Not that you cant enjoy both lol.

[@marygem]

@@glumsulk who really cares who's the more important? Who is biying either?

[@mvmmotovlogmusic2815]

It’s just a “ploy” to expose each artist’s work. No one involved actually gets knockered in the face.

[@TD-qi2rw]

Thank you again and again and..........another rich and wonderful film!!!!!!!!

[@maddietighe5881]

Thanks for making this video about this kind of art accessible to people from Sickert's side of the tracks. This video is awesome.

[@YO3A007]

I love Sargent's work. He caught the "good" and the "optimistic" and the "godly."

[@jeffolsen4983]

I'm surprised/puzzled, that in the wrap up, Waldemar twice says "18th century" when his subject has been of the late 19th and early 20th century.

[@petrolillos]

I think it was deliberated, Sargent indeed is closer to the optimism of Reynolds and Gainsborough. Sickert on the other hand is pure XX century bleakness.

[@fleur7891]

It is a trait of much spoken speakers to sometimes misspeak without realizing that at the time. Good catch on your part, thank you for your comment.

[@fleur7891]

@@petrolillos Your comment is most interesting and may be correct, thank you for sharing.

[@georgina3358]

@@fleur7891 The 18th century was said deliberately, I think. If it had been a mistake, they would have shot the section of the presentation again

[@douglaswynn9668]

Good film but utterly ridiculous to compare the two. Both are very good artist’s but are just totally different. To say Sickert is more substantial is just ridiculous in terms of his place, importance and substance in history. I had never even heard of Sickert until I watched this film (as I suspect of most viewers).

[@melefth]

I'd never heard of Sargent, but knew quite a lot about Sickert after a visit to the MoMA turned me into a fan.

[@Tumblers-u8v]

I agree strongly- one look at a Sargent watercolor and u know he is a master artist equals to the best who ever held a brush.

[@andybaldman]

It got you to watch the film, didn’t it?

[@schill1758]

Just happened across this - what a thoroughly enjoyable hour! Waldemar has such a unique way of presenting that makes his subjects so interesting and compelling to watch. Very thought provoking viewpoints and always injected with a sense of humour or tongue in cheek perspective. Looking out for more - Subscribed.

[@barbaraolson600]

Thank you, always interesting!

[@Artimisia_studios76]

I love all the amazing work that you’ve done, thank you so much. I enjoy watching all of your productions.🙏🏻🏆🙌

[@isbe1007]

Totally wonderful. Thank you Waldemar you are a star!

[@junebrilly5302]

I've only just discovered Waldemar. Brilliant! I'm hooked, I love his insight, his dark sense of humour and truly impressive knowledge in Art History

[@AS-qg1xu]

Love you and your enthusiasm Waldemar. I really liked the Patricia Cornwell book where she provides her theory that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper.

[@abiskarroy165]

the contrast between the two could not have been more stark

[@andrewclayton4181]

Great documentary by Waldermar again! ! In the children's book, The family at one end street, the Ruggles call their first daughter Lily Rose after the Sargent painting mentioned at the start of the film. 60 years later I've stumbled on an image and background info. It's never too late to learn stuff! All that chat about Mornington Crescent tickled me as well! Think I'll have to watch it again.

[@n990]

Can't believe I'm watching youtube for excellent content. Bravo!

[@John081590]

Ok, now I want that Carnation Lily, Lily Rose Song recording. It seems like a beautiful song ❤

[@mixolydian2010]

Brilliant as ever cheers Waldemar!

[@henrycastle1]

❤️ Waldemar This is a very awesome well researched product Sky Arts take note Thank you everyone who make it Best of luck Much respect 💯%✔️

[@vaxxedfilms7477]

The master of night light is Frederick Remington - u should do a doc of those Remington paintings - best exhibition I have ever attended

[@christinepaige2575]

It's Sickert's misfortune to have painted just the sort of pictures Jack the Ripper would have painted...had he been a painter...

[@Buddy.Temple]

Stunning photolike paintings, I like Sickert with his own lil property imperium. Darkness hunting twilight or heating up gossip always wins but brushstrokes on a painting are still there to shine light upon and be admired.

[@ekkeism]

The music makes this presentation! What an auditory feast! Sorry Sargent, sorry Sickert!

[@innesfrey9602]

Absolutely fabulous documentary ❤🎉

[@dianneledford3681]

Love this guy's videos have watched them many times over and over again

[@Menapho]

Oh please do one on John Atkinson Grimshaw

[@katarzynamuszynska5426]

This is not only Art but History as well 2 my favourite subjects Colourful ,interesting ,funny

[@marksadventures3889]

What?! How dare you! The English Music Hall gave entertainment to the masses. But I forgive him for his great expressive love of art. I must admit though many of my favourite artists were mad, bad and dangerous to know! Passion is often the expression of the stymied emotional state. The spirit will out. Bravo, good show and all that.

[@katsmeowarteveryday1706]

Excellent 😊

[@gardnep]

Special thanks to your daughter who had to endure her father to sing for his video. Well done both. Congratulations for a great effort. Thanks who was the smartest, the guy who did the portraits or the bloke who painted life and bought all those properties for his portfolio?

[@darlamcfarland3323]

Very good idea to compare these two, though I personally prefer Sargeant.

[@gary1251]

When I laugh out loud, at my laptop, watching Waldemar, you know I am engrossed and cleaverness is showering me from the You Tube heavens. That he powders his cheek and pops a chocolate in his mouth is *won*der*ful* Aloha from Hilo

[@julanrios548]

Quality content

[@1812over]

A delight! Can anyone tell me who the song at the beginning is by?

[@constantinepapadakis1155]

Excellent analysis for all his art 🎨 subjects, but I want to see some with Greek art. After all the created the finest art.

[@t.a.m678]

Anyone know the music being played around 33mins at all?

[@uremawifenowdave]

The fact that Patricia Cornwell destroyed one of Sickert’s paintings trying to find evidence to support her theory is disgusting.

[@debraperez7171]

Why is the Sargent painting hiding behind that out of place statue? I really don't know. Anyone?

[@gregmeissner9960]

Brilliant

[@paulaburtenshaw197]

I LOVE YOU WALDEMAR. 🤩

[@andybaldman]

Get in line, sister.

[@NapoleonSolo61]

Volume level is too low.

[@juliananorleen9750]

❤️❤️❤️

[@betmo]

patricia cornwell posits that sickert was jack the ripper...i've read both of her books on it...pretty compelling...

[@pcka12]

Who is the pianist please?

[@izumihanagata1148]

Hope that you could also do a documentary of James Tissot 😁

[@dennismelton5080]

This was an excellent broadcast all but totally destroyed by KZbin bombarding it with the greatest number of obnoxious commercials I have ever had to endure on anything I have ever viewed. If KZbin believes that I view any of the crap they force me to look at or that I don't have my finger poised over the "skip ad" button, they are sadly mistaken. Thanks KZbin for your countless interruptions of an otherwise most entertaining program.

[@johnhetherington8830]

geniuses both thanks tubby

[@andybaldman]

Lol

[@andrewlm5677]

Sargent is better

[@davidmayhew8083]

You scared me!

[@a.agusart]

two different world of painters, ridiculous to compare

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

Both win, because we still know who they are, but Singer is more adulated because we all strive for the light don’t we?

[@asielnorton345]

John Singer Sargent painted the upper classes and Sickert painted the working class. Sargent focused on beauty and harmony, while Sickert focused on melancholy mood. Sargent was obviously more skilled but Sickert definitely creates his own world, portraying his inner psychology. But i don't think Sargent was a purely skilled academic painter, there's depth to his work. He was the better painter. Sometimes beauty and harmony is actually better than darkness.

[@staniredale9643]

When Native Americans were faced with Niépce and Daguerre's invention, they believed the camera was capturing their soul, this is exactly what Sargent did.

[@stephenkutos6400]

As much as I like Waldemar, this whole concept is as stupid as it gets

[@kristinalewis6126]

recognized the girls as his daughters immediately....

[@miltondesilva542]

What do you think of the book that Walter sickest was Jack the Ripper?

[@susanmercurio1060]

I think I've got the pronunciation of your last name: Jan-yoo-schek. Is that right? Cornwell's speculation about Sikert's fistula is anatomically impossible.

[@andybaldman]

I say it as ya-NOOSH-jack

[@TheSimidog]

Walter Sickert was claimed to be Jack the Ripper by Patricia Cornwall. How did she get away with that? If he was my ancestor I would have sued her for libel.

[@tiadiad]

Oh boy 14:58......

[@panaglaw]

58:31 the eighteenth century??

[@buschovski1]

Sickert looks exactly the same as when hes a child and an adult. And he has the same exoression too

[@chandniku1770]

Where can I find the music used in this video?

[@loliloloso]

Your "poor" daughters are great! Your style of making the series of films is like modern art: personal context, spontaneity and immediacy, very alike the subject matter, really fun and enlightening.

[@solbeysbelouche784]

Agree! Lovely girls ❤️

[@nobodysbaby5048]

🤭

[@irenea.]

I absolutely love Waldermar, what an absolute delight the way he explains things!! It's just makes everything sound so fascinating and I'm so glad you are posting more video of him. It's a great pleasure 🙏

[@MichaelFlynn0]

I absolutely love Waldermar too. What a sensation.

[@emmaspera2794]

Tu

[@bilbilbow5612]

Yes an absolute comic genius

[@letsgosmokes5686]

"...and you know how the French can be, about Americans." Plus lots more dry comedy gold.

[@fleur7891]

Waldemar J.'s films are a guaranteed delight and never disappoint. His knowledge mixed with his unique personal viewpoint produce a most enjoyable experience. Bravo, Mr J. !!!

[@oneday631]

There’s no comparison, they’re so different. I have been a great fan of John Singer Sargent for decades and I think he’s underrated. I hope more people appreciate his paintings

[@kindnessfirst9670]

He IS underrated- but not by anyone who has ever painted a portrait.

[@friedricengravy6646]

He is one of my favorite, but I (like many) see or attempt to consider the subject chosen by the painter & then how or why they choose to present those moments in a certain way. In this case, both artists r painting very different subject matter. I think they both employ the perfect approach to each. If we swapped subjects between the two while they both executed their standard style/voice, I think both would create something awkward. We should start knowing that the artist (especially a master) is making a choice in place of assuming they cant draw or paint as representationally as another. When we assume instead that these r intentional choices, then we have a chance to see everything they r communicating. Stylistically u might just prefer Sargents choices, but as much as I love his choices, I do not want to see every subject painted by every artist in the same light.

[@ZZ-qy5mv]

@@kindnessfirst9670 This is so true!

[@johnw9245]

I know their styles are different but I don't think there's any comparison. Sargent is a vastly superior artist in my opinion.

[@eversonalmeida9866]

Valdemar is comparing their worldviews, not their artistic prowess. And God he was right in 2007. And he is even more right in 2024.

[@tedclemens4093]

Excellent contrast of artists! (A big admirer of Sargent, I had never heard of Sickert). But no need to pit them against each other when they compliment each other in the times. The gilded era wasn't all "it girls" and high society. Neither was it all prostitutes and dark rumors. I think one artist makes me appreciate the other all the more. Thank you!

[@bricksloth6920]

Another satisfying Waldemar documentary. Nice to include the kids.

[@GildaLee27]

'Piquant provocation'? Is that what that is? It's in the eye of the beholder, no? Whatever. What is clear is that Sargent appreciated women, while Sickert's eye humiliates them.

[@melefth]

Or might Sickert have painted women who were humiliated by the lives they led and the society/milieux they led them in? Perhaps in solidarity?

[@SubTroppo]

Singer Sargent's watercolours of Venice etc mean that he has an added dimension which makes him the winner hands down.

[@charlesfenwick6554]

Total agreement

[@horaciomillan4181]

The curious thing for me is that Madame X is possibly the most beautiful portrait in the world, while admiting Sickert is more substantial, I could never have one of his paintings in my home. Less of all in my room : could you sleep there?

[@karlkarlos3545]

I could. Sargent is motly just kitsch.

[@sarahwatts7152]

I'd have to hang it over the bed so it wasn't looking at me the whole time. Or you could hang it facing the bed in the guest bedroom when you're having a hard time shifting guests out of the house...

[@Palmieres]

@@karlkarlos3545 And what's wrong with that? Putting up a painting just because someone tells you you should like it, even if you don't, is silly. It's perfectly fine to enjoy kitsch if it gives you joy. People can prefer more than one type of art depending on their mood, just like you can listen to lighter or more meaningful music at different times of your life. Art appreciation should be free from guilt or embarrassment. Otherwise it's a chore, rather than a pleasure. Also, Sargent's technical ability is enough to bring a substantial amount of admiration and awe, regardless of theme.

[@karlkarlos3545]

@@Palmieres What are you talking about?

[@mozartsbumbumsrus7750]

@@Palmieres absolutely! Reminds me if Getty's collection at Sutton Place: crap art by famous artists.

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

I would never have conceived of anyone comparing Sickert to Sargent but this was very enjoyable. If I could have the gifts of any artists in history I would have picked Sargent only after JMW Turner.

[@solbeysbelouche784]

How wonderful. I love Waldemar so much!!! His films are so clever and entertaining. Just a joy to watch! 🤩 I hope he continues making these marvels for years to come. What a treat!

[@douglaswynn9668]

Your viewers should understand that Singer’s interpretation of the privileged, elitists of his time shouldn’t diminish the “Substance” of his work even if he was one of them

[@ShaneyElderberry]

Imagine if people did the same with the fictions of Henry James and Edith Wharton. Sometimes it seems as though it takes a lot of effort for many people to admire the quality of a work, rather than the subject.

[@aaron2709]

A more apt comparison would be Sickert with any of the Ashcan painters.

[@johnt3611]

yep, and Sargeant with Joaquin Sorolla. But, I guess that comparison doesn't give you the opportunity to play the "it's grungy and harsh so its better game" that is all too often the default agenda.

[@bronteart]

Very well done Waldermar [ as always I might add]. As An aging artist now 70, and classically trained Sargent is one of the greatest Portrait artists of all time.[ my opinion.] Sickert on the other hand always looks for the mood of the painting. This can be light, location subject etc. Each followed a different discipline in art. Sickert in the 21st century is the winner. You look into the soul of the man expressing his realty through his art. A genius with canvas and paint. As a professional artist myself i wish I could paint like Sickert, but alas I cannot. Sargent , yes. I hope you can fathom the dichotomy this causes, painting portraits like Sargent but wishing for Sickert. Last note: you refer in your wrap at the end to 18th century, rather than 19th century. no matter it's a fabulous show as all you work testifies. Yes I've watched them all

[@barbaraolson600]

You sound very talented , please enjoy your talent as it is your gift to you and the world.

[@moonstoneway2694]

Awesome as always. So many juicy tidbits. Sargent wins for me simply because I have a thing for Chinese lanterns and our world is too dark right now. Thank you!

[@fleur7891]

I personally agree with you. All art is subjective and what we would enjoy having in our homes is not necessarily what we would appreciate as an artist's success at accomplishing his/her objective in creating their work. Thank you for your comment.

[@charlesfenwick6554]

@@fleur7891 Astute comments. There are some great artists whom one would not necessarily want to see all of the time-Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud come to mind. The modern cult of ugliness takes precedence over the pursuit of beauty. Art should represent civilisation at its highest level but some artist particularly contemporary ones wish to drag it down to the lowest level.

[@adagietto2523]

Great programme as always; I think Sargent's watercolours would have deserved a mention, he devoted a great deal of effort to them in his later years, and they show another side of his talent.

[@charlesgervin714]

Aways, the most sensitive approach and usually the most engaging exploration. However I enjoyed that bit with your daughters, it made me smile and humanized you a bit more. Congratulations on having two beautiful children. Thanks once again for another informative and impactful conversation.

[@PeterPenguin77]

Sergeant’s paintings are always a rewarding delight to the eye and sensibility. He adored women and made even ordinary women shine with a spark of beauty. The world Seargent paints is light and radiant. Sickest however was a drear dark drudge… joyless in so many ways… let alone adding in Jack the Ripper. Every time I see a Seargeant painting I thrill to the artist’s skill. The living light in the portraits is something no camera can capture. I don’t see why Seargeant doesn’t win the highest artistic accolades. Just because an artist is crude, I don’t think that makes them a more significant artist. Sergeant is the Mozart of painting portraits… Sickert is the monkey grinder’s organ. Lol!

[@johnm9845]

Stupid comparison.Just because an artist doesn't float your boat doesn't make him less of an artist. Sickert celebrated life too. In his paintings of music halls, theatres and domestic interior scenes you gain an appreciation of the vitality of popular culture as well as the drabness of lives lived then. He was a man for all seasons unlike Sargent who was studio bound and painted accomplished portraits for fat commissions. Sickert was complex, forthright with a difficult personality, and could never be accused of blandness or conformity. Certainly,he would seem a much more interesting character than Sargent. His American counterpart was admired for his technique but bedevilled by criticisms of superficiality in his portraiture. He later specialised in murals and working en plein air and expressed mixed feelings about his earlier work. You state you don't understand why Sargent doesn't achieve higher praise. However,his reputation has undergone a reappraisal by some critics who admire his work and regard him as a post impressionist.But,then you obviously didn't know that such is your supreme confidence in your ignorance. Indeed it's difficult to take you seriously, particularly when you're simply incapable of correctly spelling the name of a painter you profess to admire so much. How strange.

[@TonyMiller.13]

🧑🏽‍🎨 I love Perspective ❤️ Specially with Waldemar.. Everything he explains has more meaning, more intense meaning. Definitely my favorite art Documenter 🎨 I wish he could tell my story.

[@juliadagnall5816]

One thing I feel doesn’t get enough love are Sargent’s watercolors. They’re bold and confident with punchy colors and strong contrasts between light and shadow. I love his oil paintings, but his watercolors and charcoal sketches are almost more impressive to me. An oil painting you can tweak over and over again but to be that bold with watercolor takes real flair. His watercolors are also a lot more personal than his portraits, he was painting what he liked and what interested him. They’re gorgeous.

[@7kurisu]

totally agrre! though i hasten to add that his use of oils were fast and bold, yet incredibly delicate. its true that only a master can be bold with watercolour

[@krbailess]

I’ve been looking forward to this episode for weeks. It was as advertised! Waldemar is always perfect. ❤

[@BigOscarMan]

Good video but maybe next time leave some of the bias out of it. Wish you had included some of Sargents landscapes. Instead you put him in a little box.

[@melefth]

It would be drab without the bias. It's art: everyone has an opinion and should defend it to the death! Until tomorrow, when they defend a different opinion to the death. It's on-the-surface unbiased media that are most insidious, I feel: through others' opinions, we develop out own!

[@janetdiesnis456]

Made my day. Sargent for me....

[@terryhand]

Although they were contemporaries I've never thought of making a comparison, which made this documentary all the more enticing. Sargent was indeed tied to the 18th century, but he did it with such bravura and facility that it is impossible not to be drawn to the magic of his paintings. Sickert, on the other hand was indeed more the man of his time. The emotional intensity and the darkness of his paintings were perhaps a portend of the darkness that would engulf Europe in the 20th century. Having said that, he was also still part of an earlier tradition in art that was being pulled down by the Modernism movement in Europe. Looking at them both now in 2022 and detaching them from their time I find them both too interesting to declare winner in this match. A draw? Waldemar should be declared a National Treasure!

[@jeffhreid]

How was Sargent tied to the 18th century? He was born in the 19th century and most of his career was in the 20th century. Nothing of his style was typical of the painting of the 18th century. It’s a bit of a nonsensical comment

[@isbe1007]

Each artist is a perfect expression of separate but parallel life-worlds of Edwardian London. Both are great in their own way, but let's just say it's Waldemar who wins the round!