John Singer Sargent’s portraits of wealthy American heiresses, often labelled “dollar princesses”, will be showcased at an exhibition in London. These women, including Margaret “Daisy” Leiter, married into British aristocracy, often facing prejudice. Curator Wendy Monkhouse aims to shift perceptions by revealing their stories and achievements, challenging longstanding stereotypes.
In 1898, John Singer Sargent painted 19-year-old Margaret “Daisy” Leiter, capturing the confidence of wealthy American heiresses, often derogatorily termed “dollar princesses.” Leiter, the daughter of a retail magnate, later married Henry Howard, Earl of Suffolk. An upcoming exhibition in London will celebrate 18 portraits of these women by Sargent. Despite their wealth and social status, curator Wendy Monkhouse aims to dismantle the stereotypes surrounding them, revealing untold stories of their lives and contributions during a time of gender bias. Sargent’s work reflects both American confidence and British aristocratic tradition, showcasing a complex melding of cultures.
The portrayal of wealthy American heiresses in British high society has long been shrouded in stereotypes. The term “dollar princesses” historically denoted American women who married into British aristocracy, leading to resentment in both the US and UK. John Singer Sargent, an American painter working in the UK, depicted many of these women, whose stories and identities have often been overlooked. The upcoming exhibition will explore their true legacies, showcasing original research into their lives and achievements, and challenging long-held biases about their contributions.
The exhibition at Kenwood aims to reframe the narrative around American heiresses in British society, vilified for their marriages into aristocracy. By featuring Sargent’s portraits and providing a deeper insight into these women’s lives, the curator seeks to highlight their intelligence and individuality, moving beyond the “dollar princess” stereotype and emphasising their significant cultural contributions of their era.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com