at Tate Britain 22 February - 7 July 

John Singer Sargent was one of the greatest portraitists ever, let alone during his lifetime in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This year's exhibition at Tate Britain will celebrate his lush colours and rich brushwork with around 60 of his most brilliant paintings, some of which are rarely seen in public. 

All commissioned works of art are a negotiation between the patron and the artist, none more so than portraiture, in which the sitter and painter collaborate to present the desired image. Sargent liked to be more than usually in control though, and designed and manipulated his subjects' clothing to create precisely the right effect, sometimes - as in the case of the notorious Madame X - causing a scandal as a result. 

In addition to the paintings, a number of period garments will be displayed alongside the portraits in which they feature. Most notably these will include the green beetle-wing dress worn by Ellen Terry for her performances - and portrait - as Lady Macbeth, which will be worth the visit on its own!