John Singer Sargent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Performers give it their all in one of the best galleries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s John Singer Sargent show, focusing on non commissioned (hence less restricted) portraits of friends and colleagues. Here, after meeting musical patron and singer Mabel Batten, Sargent persuaded her to pose for this incredible portrait of singing abandon. (Through Oct 4th).

John Singer Sargent, Mrs George Batten Singing, oil on canvas, 1897.