John Singer Sargent's 'dollar princesses' portraits go on display in London

Key points

• 18 of John Singer Sargent's portraits of American "dollar princesses" will be on display at Kenwood House.
• John Singer Sargent was particularly appreciated by the American and European elite for his prolific work.
• Many of Sargent's portraits of American society wives had never been exhibited together until the Kenwood House exhibition.
• English Heritage curator Wendy Monkhouse stressed the need for original research to highlight the lives of these women beyond the "dollar princess" stereotype.

The exhibition at Kenwood House represents a major event in the art world, highlighting 18 portraits of American heiresses by John Singer Sargent. Curator Wendy Monkhouse says it is time to tell the real stories of these women.

These women were not only wealthy, but also intelligent and beautiful. The exhibition highlights their self-confidence and social status, offering valuable insight into their personalities and their times.

Miss Daisy Leiter, John Singer Sargent, 1898

Portraits of American heiresses, such as Lady Playfair and Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain, have been loaned by prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Sargent's work manages to capture the unique qualities of these women, each embodying a blend of grace and power.

This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see these portraits together. It offers a fascinating window into the lives of American brides who married into European aristocracy, merging the worlds of American wealth and the European elite.

However, the exhibition is not just about beautiful portraits. It celebrates the lives and achievements of these women, exposing their important role in the society of the time. Through exploring their stories, visitors can better understand the social context and challenges these women faced.

Curator Wendy Monkhouse wants to change our perception of American heiresses by presenting them in a new light: that of confident, brilliant and intelligent women, far removed from the stereotypes of superficial wealth.