Sargent was best known for his portraits and the high class of America and Europe revered his portraits. Many of the aristocrats hired Sargent to do personal and family portraits. Edward Darley Boit, a fellow expatriate, hired Sargent to do a portrait of his four daughters. The painting The Daughters of Edward Boit is a very interesting piece that incorporates an unusual amount of unoccupied space which gives the painting a sort of candid feel. The large vases make it clear how small the children really are. The three youngest girls that receive the most light in the picture are all staring obediently towards the beholder, which could suggest a parent or nanny while the oldest girl's figure is darkened and her face is turned away.
One piece of art that almost landed Sargent into some serious trouble was Madame X. With Sargent's cousin posing as the subject, the woman's stance suggests a “displayed beauty”. The stance is not innocent but has more of a seductive effect on the viewer. Her head is turned to the side but not as if it was a candid moment. Her extended arm, slim and refined waist, and the position of her head clearly portray Sargent's skill in portraying the human anatomy proportionally correct. The reason that the painting was a bit dangerous to Sargent's career was that it was a bit too racy for that time. Many critics lost respect for Sargent for creating such a suggestive piece. Soon after the piece was finished, Sargent moved to London to flee from the controversy. However, the entire conflict over that piece only helped in making Sargent a more noticed artist and his career continued to flourish.
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