"Everytime I paint I lose a friend." — John Singer Sargent
This wonderful room overlooking the park was once called the Reading Room. Today it is known as The Sargent Room, in recognition of the three portraits by John Singer Sargent that hang here.
Sargent was an early member of The Players. His 1890 full-length portrait of Edwin Booth presides over the space, which manages to be rich, imposing and cozy all at the same time. In addition to the magnificent fireplace, there are cases of theatrical memorabilia, as well as the Savonarola chair used by John Barrymore when playing Hamlet. He donated his perch to the club after he broke Booth's record for number of career performances portraying Hamlet.
On the right-hand side of Booth is Sargent's portrait of Lawrence Barrett, one of the original Incorporators of the club and a great friend of Booth's. Barrett also lived on the third floor of the club, in rooms that now house the club's administrative offices.
The work on the left-hand side of Booth is Sargent's portrait of Joseph Jefferson, the second president of The Players. Jefferson is portrayed as Dr. Pangloss in The Heir-at-Law.
|
