Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938): Parlor, Gymnasium & Field

Locker Room Scene

American painter, sculptor and set designer Mark Beard objects to the fact that most artists are expected to stick to whatever singular style brings them success, and for which they become known for. He has got around this by developing a number of distinct artistic personalities, each with a detailed biography and portrait photograph, to enable him to work in a variety of styles and mediums.

One of his ‘personalities’ is Bruce Sargeant (1898–1938), (a spoof on John Singer Sargent) who died in a tragic wrestling accident, and it is his work that is the subject of a new Exhibition that has just opened in N.Y’s ClampArt Gallery. Titled ‘Parlor, Gymnasium & Field’ it is a selection of canvasses in which Sargeant portrays his young models in various private settings such as the parlor and studio; to quasi-public spaces including the gymnasium; on to the field and in the great outdoors. This wide array of scenes reflects Sargeant’s interest in men of all social echelons—from ranchers and people of the working class up the social ladder to sportsmen and art collectors alike.