Rajiv Surendra Visits the Metropolitan Museum of Art - John Singer Sargent Painting

Rajiv’s favorite painter is John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) who had a close relationship with the Met while he was still alive. Today Stephanie Herdrich, associate curator of American paintings and sculpture, joins us for a conversation about this incredible artist’s life and work.

[@martifinan998]

I love how your voice broke as you thanked Stephanie - she represents museums sharing the artistic artifacts and you represent human beings connecting emotions and talents across time. You are so beautiful, Rajiv.

[@rajivsurendra]

Stephanie is a gem of a curator, she is the epitome of grace. I love being with her and it always feels like such an honor.

[@FreeAsABird53]

“You represent humans beings connecting emotions and talents across time”. Perfect summation of him 💛

[@LisaSonora]

I also thought Stephanie choked up a bit when you asked her about her connection with the work she does and passing it forward. Incredible conversation, Rajiv - I want to see more videos about your painting process, please!

[@vitalityseeker6193]

Dearest Rajiv, you are a Renaissance man who has great capacity to seek out all the nuances of elegance and excellence. You then set out to master and inhabit that which you have sought, and with each accomplishment you become a steward of the beauty you practice to create. I cannot think of a more perfect description of an exceptional human being. You always inspire refinement in all you do. ❤

[@indie8189]

Rajiv’s videos have high integrity: knowledge, information, beauty, style, truth, comfort, love, kindness, sweetness… I’ve got so much out of them. Thanks 🙏 ❤

[@lenoraGrayce]

Rajiv makes me want to be a better person!! I remember walking through the Met as a 19 year old exchange student. I put my headphones on and walked alone through the Met with my personal soundtrack. It was magical!!

[@karenreiter533]

Rajiv, the Nassau County Museum of Fine Art located in Roslyn , New York, often has art exhibits featuring incredible works of art that are in private hands. Love your videos. 💕💕

[@lollyreg97]

Thank you, thank you. I cannot say this enough. I would never have learned all that you brought to us in this video. People don't realize what they can learn from artists, until they do. And this is something we have to pursue and faithfully teach to others, never really knowing of the eventual results.

[@robertneubauer8075]

I try to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum a couple times each year. Standing in front of Sargent's monumental El Jaleo never fails to leave me awestruck regardless of how many times I've viewed it. The man was a genius. Absolutely loved this visit to the Met with Stephanie and Rajiv.

[@ryanmiske2178]

I saw Sargent for the first time at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and was in awe. I started laughing because it was so incredible the way he captured the people in the portraits. I felt I knew them.

[@karenjcosme]

I've been there twice and, with my second trip being a group tour of limited time, I kept going back to view JSS's works. Can you blame me? Thank you, Rajiv.

[@swabrren]

Yes! Same I also first saw his work at the MFA in Boston, the people feel alive in a wonderful way

[@SpecialgiftsLA]

​@@karenjcosmehi Karen, how did you find the tour ? Was it focused on art, What did you do the rest of the time and was the guide with you most of the time.? Thank you, Lia

[@nadab4750]

Rajiv, You've just been added to my list of "men looking smart in polka dot shirts" 👱‍♀️❤!

[@MJ-in-Canada]

And my list of "men looking smart in wellies."

[@DLRTraynorCoberly]

Your emotion in this piece was palpable! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and love of this great artist!

[@mitchellgearheart14]

As an art student, fan, instructor, and enthusiast, I was literally brought to tears by your enthusiasm and emotion especially in the final moments of this video.

[@ysa7823]

There’s no one quite like you. Your appreciation of art and the old way of life. You are a rare bird, Rajiv ❤

[@janeyjanedee2493]

Sargent is my all time favorite, my inspiration. I have taught art over 30 years and painted for that length of time as well. However, I have just recently started painting portraits…talk about a challenge! Thank you for introducing us to your friend.

[@DS-mo5ih]

Thank you Rajiv

[@rowhellyo]

You never stop impressing us with your class, heart and dedication to the things you love!

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

As always, thoughtful and sensitive commentary from Rajiv. Thank you, Rajiv! Your quote about painting “painting is easy…” reminds me of Debussy when he was asked how he composed: “ I simply take all the notes that exist, and I use the ones I want and leave the rest out” 😅

[@quentinwright4495]

I love this so much. As I write this the sun is shining for the first in days. I've stood in front of Sargent paintings studying the bright flash of light on a cheek with tears in my eyes. Rajiv is proof that beauty is within all of us and the more we share it is gain for the world 🤘👍🤘👍

[@marionandrews176]

I love Sargent and go to the Met often to view the galleries. I will definitely pickup Stephanie’s book next time I’m there. Rajiv, your paintings are beautiful! I hope one day someone will be standing in front of your work admiring your talent.

[@lunaeaweatherstone7906]

What a treat to visit the museum with you, Rajiv. Sargent has been one my favorite painters for fifty years, and I loved seeing his work though your eyes (and Stephanie's). Someone else may have already commented with this quote of Sargent, but I can't resist, just in case: "Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend." Keep sticking to your guns and painting your truth!

[@kathyesargent9088]

My husband is related to John Singer Sargent how fun to have his prints in our home.

[@vv9452]

Thank you to the participants and producers of this video. It was very nice to get a vignette into the Met while being so far away.

[@lacrosse.captain]

Rajiv is the perfect example of the modern Renaissance man.

[@SourabhaRao]

Dear Rajiv, What sets you apart from the crowd that’s into telling similar stories is that you so beautifully let the story be the hero and you gracefully disappear into the backdrop or be in the shadows, so to speak. Your searing sincerity is moving and inspiring. Thank you for being you, and for creating and sharing so many things of beauty and joy with us. May immense beauty, peace, love and joy happen to you, always. 🥹🙏🏼Love from India. 💗

[@nancysueleske7819]

I grew up at the Art Institute of Chicago. Yes, love the master Sargent!! So get it!❤

[@helenakurhee407]

As a long-time fan of JSS, it was such a treat to listen to Rajiv & Stephanie geek out about this master of light, colors and movement. Thank you for these videos, Rajiv! They restore my faith in humanity and our capacity for hope, beauty & kindness.

[@sandrinedurand3203]

"Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose" for me when speaking to the light. You will be successful because you put in the work. And Thom Browne too.

[@antoniafoster8264]

Sad to say I had never heard of this artist, but because of you, I’m happy to say I do now and won’t forget. So fascinating how when up close, the strokes look haphazard and gloopy, but as soon as the camera scales back, so incredibly clear. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. I’m becoming more knowledgeable with each video. Thank you, Rajiv for taking us along. The ending made me emotional as well.

[@supriyashirwalkar6157]

My father was amateur painter had learnt to paint all by himself he had god gifted talent .All that you spoke and share your thoughts about painting , in this post are absolutely true , I love all you post and early wait for new ones. Thankyou.

[@bhanani5480]

Awww Rajiv, I was tearing up listening to you thanking Stephanie, it was like your testimony and thanking someone that changed/saved your life. I have never heard of this painter but after your discussion I'm in awe of him and I appreciate his work. I can't thank you enough Rajiv for having your own YT channel, they are so refreshing and educating and dare I say you make nerdy things cool 😎 😉

[@deadpoet50]

Rajiv, your video is as usual beautifully put together but I would call this one a work of art. The casual introduction and the singing stepped into a study of lights and shadows and a truly educational class. And then the music. It couldn’t have been more appropriate for this video. Perfect pairing of arts. Thanks Rajiv 🙏🏼💕

[@jenniewilliams1668]

I love Sargent and visited his home in Venice Italy once. Stephanie's shoes are the best shoes I've ever seen. Warmest regards Jennie

[@reallyaprilstarr]

Thank you for this, Rajiv! ❤ I also discovered Sargent in 2015 and instantly fell in love. I have two prints of his work in my home, one a numbered museum print. I found him at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. She was a major supporter of him. Your paintings are beautiful, my friend.

[@ceritat]

What a beautiful meeting! I don't Sargent at all, so I learnt something today. Having had similar teary moments looking at works in-person of my favourite painters, I totally understand the feeling. A beautiful moment in the end of your video, just lovely!

[@adriannademadriguera4859]

many years ago, i worked for a horrible person who lived on park avenue. a toxic work environment that truly took its toll on me. on a rainy friday, i got my check and told my employer i was quitting. when i got to the street, the cold evening air welcomed me and i felt renewed. i walked to the Met, it was the final days of the J.S.S. show. i love J.S.S. there i was - in my very wet trench coat, wet book bag and carrying my wet umbrella, packed in the rooms along with many others admiring his treasures. i stood in front of my favorites wishing i could go back in time and be in the room watching him work. wishing that me, a black latina could have sat for him. i gave myself the opportunity to work the rooms a second time. everyone was practically shoulder to shoulder. i left the rooms. left the Met and walked to the bus stop to take the crosstown bus to the west side. while waiting for the bus, i said to myself, smiling - what a beautiful way to end a horrible few months. i couldn't stop smiling on my way home. thank you J.S.S. and thank you Rajiv. you are both glorious! i am writing all this with tears in my eyes. XO.😘😘

[@rajivsurendra]

That's a LOVELY thing to read, thank you for sharing this. I think his work really has the power to move us, one of the most important things about art for me.

[@andersdottir1111]

The Met needs an enthusiastic employee like you Rajiv. Real paintings are incredible- I’ll always remember turning a corner in The National Gallery and seeing Constable’s Haywain - it made the hairs stand up on my arms. It is stunning in real life.

[@Rositasparks]

Thank you for bringing this content our way today. This was insightful and touched my heart ❤

[@BrendanDean99]

Just when I think you couldn't be lovelier, you get emotional in your expression of gratitude....Thank you for cheering me up on a gloomy Sunday. Its all heart music in the end!

[@heidiraia9902]

Imagine my surprise to see your video pop up as I as am getting dressed to spend the afternoon at the MET! I will certainly go pay my respects to John Sargent. Thank you for your beautiful and thoughtful videos. They truly color my world. - Heidi from Long Island

[@rajivsurendra]

Have fun, Heidi!

[@standassuredconsultinggrou523]

Thank you Rajiv for this video and all your work noticing all beautiful things around us. This inspired me to go see Sargent in Spain exhibit at De Young museum in SF. Certainly worth extra admission fee!

[@lesliemacdonald7976]

I looked out my rainy window today and felt very little inspiration. Then I tuned into this video and voila, like a turn of an inner kaleidescope, my perspective changes, and I can see the beauty in the everyday. Seeing you singing outside in the rain -- okay -- I can do that too! It's time to visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston or the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, another gem. Museums change us -- and evidently so does this channel! Lots of love to you Rajiv!

[@antoniafoster8264]

Oh man! You had me hooked with the song & introduction. So handsome. Ok, on with the video! ♥️

[@joycewirth3022]

It's amazing as you pointed out there was not a camera in sight, nor a picture to study, to use as a reference to the composition he was creating. It was done instantly as he saw it at that moment. Just amazing such genius. Years of daily practice, paid off. Magnificent works, timely and enduring. Thank you, Rajiv and much success in your budding works. Who knows maybe some day we will be privileged to see something created under your blessed hands. Jersey Ann from NJ

[@randysandford4033]

Love the Met. I used to get so excited when I went that I would run up the stairs leading to the entrance. Would drool over the Sargents all day long. My favorite artist. Awesome is the only word I can use to describe.

[@flaxholmelis5996]

Wonderful, Rajiv, what beautiful paintings! I can hear the emotion in your voice. As a musician I understand how you feel and also the feeling that the more one learns, the more there is to learn. That can sometimes be daunting, but also rather thrilling 😁xx

[@christinecavanaugh5286]

Thank you so much for this video. I am in such awe of Sargent and share your deep passion for this man. He is more alive for me than any other painter I have studied and loved. Its a mystery for me why JSS is so compelling as a person AND a painter. I would love to meet Stephanie and give her a big hug for all she does. YOU brought her humanity out with yours.

[@catzenhouse]

As a child I always read our encyclopedia's "P" volume on "painting" and was turned off by Sargent's Madame Gautreau (Madame X) - a small reproduction on the page that I thought looked horrible. Years later I was an art student and saw my first Sargent at an American Art retrospective - Madame X. I was bowled away by the strength of the painting, its' presence, the lovely reflection of her hand on the table. Exquisite! (Also in that section on painting in the encyclopedia was a reproduction of Jacob Lawrence's "Tombstones" - little did I know he would become one of my art professors in college. A dear man - so supportive and giving of his time and talent.)

[@coneil72]

What a treat to listen in on this conversation! And lovely to hear you both speaking so knowledgeably AND unpretentiously. Great vid.

[@elainethepain9418]

I love looking at the world through your eyes!

[@munchie1ist]

More please , from Australia ❤

[@jasontrott4158]

Awesome video!! I recommend you check out Casper David freiderich. I saw his paintings in Berlin a few years ago. It was a magical experience. My favorite piece is monk by the sea.

[@Mmothership68]

Found this video after dinner, just after we found out that the house we're renting has been sold. We have three months to vacate the property. Hearing you sing at the beginning was just the balm my soul needed. Thank you ❤

[@janeturnquist2942]

Rajiv, pressing the like button is not enough, for you sharing this video with us. I need to comment on the detail which was shared and discussed about John Singer Sargent’s life’s work, his studies, and his finished masterpieces. I have been an artist for decades. I too have been to the museum’s to study the works of all the great master painters. I’m amazed by the depth of colors, light & shadow captured 100’s of years ago. Beauty is all around us, it just needs to be captured in the moment. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your day at the MET with us. It meant the world to so many of us. You Sir, touch the heart of those who watch your videos, you always touch mine. I find your videos the most interesting to watch because you’re always teaching us about something new and old, of things that really matter deep down in our hearts, of things we’ve forgotten about but remember hold a special place somewhere in the backs of our minds and hearts. You bring them to the surface again…. Thank you, Sir.

[@rajivsurendra]

Hi Jane, thank you for your lovely comment and words of support. Means a lot to me...encourages me to keep going and make more videos for this channel!

[@roxannedaly279]

As a painter I have, as you, studied JS Sargent for years...I only keep trying for his perfection but still cherish the process!! ❤ Roxie from MN/FL

[@susannjarvis5587]

Ah, Rajiv, I am so grateful for you sharing this visit to the museum and the Sargent collection. Sargent is one of my favorite artists and the one artist I would love to own an original of.

[@4and21strings]

Another stellar episode Rajiv! Sets the tone for the day, thanks!

[@fairface6892]

Absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing this. I find this kind of deep dive into techniques by the masters fascinating. As an amateur watercolour artist (who has also dabbled in portraits) I feel the pain of not overworking something! Luckily he could scape it off if he was dissatisfied. I agree, his use of light and composition is truly great and such a pleasure to see.

[@rajivsurendra]

I am taking watercolor classes, it's very hard!!!

[@celeste-236]

@@rajivsurendra can you draw well? Drawing is very important with all art, but especially with water color. A life drawing class is a great way to learn drawing. The nude figure is very challenging but when you get it, especially the foreshortening & the light & shadow on the human form… it’s so beautiful. Try it with red chalk.

[@sharonadams3728]

I love how fully you live your life! This world needs more people like you with so much passion!!!!

[@alaindezii4445]

One of the best conversations about art and Sargent, I've heard in a long time. I love going to the MET.

[@elkewheeler]

Thank you for sharing your experience of your world. The care and interest you show washing a sweater, making a bed, cleaning the floor, and trips to the Met. I really get joy from seeing your celebration of life.

[@chrismyers46]

Rajiv you are a true renaissance man for modern times. Thank you for the wonderful videos.

[@leocarney2605]

This is lovely, Rajiv! Dr. Pozzi displayed in the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles was the first time I was physically moved by a painting. Love Sargent!

[@moni4peace]

One thing I have learned is just how much courage it takes to be creative. I am intrigued by you and I wish I was more like you. I appreciate your study of art and the process of creativity. It inspires me. I am now going to learn more about John Singer Sargent. I am very grateful for your videos. Thank You and best wishes from Vienna, Austria.

[@symptomoftheuniverse4149]

That was very touching, never be hesitant to express your creativity or love for others art.❤

[@janetbrodesser236]

For me painting is so hard to do. Thank heaven for museums where the struggles of other artists are displayed, where you can see, close to, their ways of dealing with successes and unsolvable problems, where we are freed to keep on trying, no matter what. And thank you, curators and docents and all the staff and technicians for caring for these works so people like me may enjoy them and benefit from them.

[@jmcmurrah]

This video made me pause and think and appreciate the art I have experienced live, and I need to start doing that again, which I really haven’t done since the pandemic. Thank you so much Rajiv.

[@willyummiest]

Terrific video! "The Wyndham Sisters" is one of my favorite paintings. You can judge a portraitist by his facility painting hands, and no one does it better than Sargent. Note the delicacy with which he renders those of the ladies. Also note the subtle way in which he echoes their poses in the magnolia blossoms at the bottom right of the painting.'

[@exmohobobonobo]

I have to get ready for an appointment, but I couldn’t pull myself away from his singing at the beginning. But now I have to dash away and watch this later!

[@annemiekvandorp4457]

Just a simple hug from The Netherlands, for you, Rajiv. Thank you.

[@amy83079]

OMG, I learned so much about light in the this episode! Now, I too will look at the world differently. Thank you Rajiv!

[@jefflawrentz1624]

It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite Sargent portrait. His “ Lady Agnew” is a favorite of mine. I’d love to see you vlog a visit to the Biltmore in Ashville, NC and compare the Sargents with the Boldini’s. Thanks again for another fun vlog!

[@rajivsurendra]

I love his unfinished studies the most, but my favorite finished portrait is the one in this video, The Wyndham Sisters.

[@vickis.9363]

I would love to see that as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqmrmIaubKqBb9k

[@elizabethann9152]

Oh, Rajiv. Thank you! What a gift! I adore John Singer Sargent, and I first fell in love with him at the Met. I love you forever for this.

[@LedgerAndLace]

Love the Top Hat reference! I really appreciate being able to see the texture of the paint as well as the scope and size of this art work. It really great hearing about different creative processes, too. That dog needs to be a postcard!

[@riccardodemedici7116]

Thank you for this video! Quite lovely in so many ways! Sargent is a remarkable artist in many ways. I love the lusciousness of his color in his oils. His watercolors are also remarkable for the certainty of his strokes. The most wonderful exhibit I have ever viewed was a show of his Venetian watercolors in Venice at Museo Correr. The small paintings were shown in small galleries with open windows that revealed the special light and reflections of the water on the ceilings and walls - giving me the magical experience that I could have never had anywhere else on the planet…. Yes, his work is special. To me, it I just wonderful that you recognize it. It takes a special person to really see it and enjoy it. I totally enjoyed your special video! Thank you!

[@madelinedelvalle3666]

Rajiv you are truly a box of surprises. Never knew you painted, I'm glad I know now. I haven't been to the Metropolitan in many years. I should go visit since I too live in NYC.

[@cristinaortiz8252]

I stumbled onto your youtube vids and just finished seeing the above. What a wonderful Artist you are, Rajiv! I'm a rusty, crusty artist myself but I think you have just INSPIRED me to start painting again! Thank you!!

[@LuLu-xs4sh]

The first time I saw a JSS in person was at the Frick, and it was Lady Agnew. I am blonde, not wealthy by most worldly standards... and yet that *look* he captured... it was like seeing both into and through a mirror, witnessing an expression I'd probably felt & made a thousand times... allowing me for the first time to view something I knew intimately from the mind out, yet from a distance. He reminded me so much of another hero, W.B. Yeats - who could also, as so many true artists can - capture the spiritual, minute particulars in such a perfection as to make them universal - ever exact, ever expanding, without boundaries of time or space or circumstances.

[@angelitac.7743]

Rajiv you are amazing in everything you do, you are the son every mom wishes to have. GB😊

[@marianamsn]

Rajiv, you give us more than knowledge, you give us a lesson on how to live our lives with intention.

[@laobrien4982]

Thank you Rajiv and Stephanie for sharing this conversation with us.

[@susanmaltase720]

Thank you for this very informative video on Sargent. My husband and I recently visited London for the first time and went to the Victoria &Albert museum. We’re culture starved Americans who walked through this astonishing museum with our mouths agape 😮the whole time. There they have Sargent’s CARNATION LILY LILY ROSE depicting young girls lighting lanterns at twilight. The story of how much time he took to complete this piece is classic Sargent. In order to capture that moment in time with the lighting just so so magical is priceless. Love your videos.

[@kimberquirky]

Thank you!!!! I love these videos!! ❤❤❤

[@zoharbahir9010]

Sargent has ben my favourite for decades. So many thanks for this wonderfully enchanting video.

[@AD-hs2bq]

Love this!

[@amrobbie]

Sprezzatura is now added to my vocab, and I will aim to use it this week! 💕 Love your videos so much Rajiv.

[@ntalec56]

In Paris in 2007, i saw an exhibition at the Petit Palais. The title was "Peintres de la lumière Sargent & Sorolla" (Painters of the light). I defenetly falled in love with both of them and their amazing habillity to catch the light ! Take a look at "la vuelta de la pesca" of Sorolla : my favorite paint ever !!!! Thank's a lot for this video : interrestings a sooooooo beautiful.

[@candyv4921]

Wonderful, thank you.

[@laurenl5843]

Thank you for introducing me to John Singer Sargent! Love from Toronto 🇨🇦💜😊

[@barbarasidel9012]

Thank you Rajiv.

[@chitramohanraj26]

Wow again. Tnq Rajiv

[@vickis.9363]

What a treat! Many thanks, Rajiv!

[@barbiec4312]

This was wonderful. More please. Thank you.

[@cherylswindells3845]

Astounding! And Rajiv, you’re pictures are wonderful!

[@mc1304]

So, so glad I found your channel. Pulled in by Sargent, staying for Rajiv Surendra.

[@robinchurch5658]

Ahhh, The Cloisters-one of my favorite places in NYC! Now, that would be a wonder full place to paint. The gardens around it are also spectacular.

[@ranji8084]

Yet again for another great video Rajiv. ❤️

[@aguatriste]

Thank you. ❤

[@kHg.33]

Loved this♥️

[@johannechampagne7332]

You encompass all the best things, Rajiv. Please keep sharing and enlightening.

[@izzychancapiedra2473]

Can’t get enough of your experiences. 💕

[@dorozabi]

I love this video! Thank you 😊

[@righthorse]

A pure joy as usual! Great job.

[@AdrianeStevanov]

This was so beautiful!