Portrait of Madame X

 John Sargent's "Portrait of Madame X" evoked much disapproval from the contemporary art critics. In a gallery where paintings of naked women hung on every wall, this painting appeared too erotic for the audiences approval. Most of the time prostitutes modeled for artists, but in this piece a parisian modeled in a very bare chested dress. The original piece even showed the girls left dress strap procariously falling over her shoulder.  This made it too personal for the viewers.
The subject of the piece, Madame Gautreau, came from America. She married a rich banker, and she became part of the lazy upper social class in Paris. She became known for her unique yet captivating look. She became Sargent's Galatea, and he her Pygmalion. Sargent made sketch after sketch of her in oil paint, charcol, pencil, and watercolor. He slaved to refine the "Portrait of Madame X" as a hommage to her beauty. Madame Gautreau approved of his work.
Sargent reluctantly presented this piece in the 1884 Paris Salon, and upheaval ensued. Not only did this high-class woman appear in scant clothing, but she wore thick, violet tinted makeup and posed in a very arrogant pose. Most people were outraged, some were appreciative, Madame Gautreau wavered between indignant and pleased, and Sargent felt immense social rejection. This piece scarred his contemporary reputation as an artist, and it took many years for him to recover.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/05/22/the-scandal-of-madame-x-excerpt-from-david-mcculloughs-the-greater-journey.html

http://www.jssgallery.org/Paintings/Madame_X.htm