[Timothy C. Tyler]

Here's the simple point: Sargent painted what he saw from life. No formulas. Do you think he made street scenes with formulas? What about the landscapes and still lifes? For painters who paint everything from life - EVERYTHING - no formulas are needed. That's the simple point. Measuring of heads is pretty rudimental stuff. Work like his, was well beyond this in scope. I'd argue that creative composition was more on his mind and I'll bet you he never counted heads after the age of 21.

Now, I agree that Sargent was wise enough to help some of his sitters, but like most of you I've seen the photos of those sitters and I recognize them all. Enzie, Sargent learned to paint in Paris; the English used to say he was too French in style.