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Contents
Acknowledgments
List of Illustrations
Introduction: The Birds and the Bees
1 La Vie en Rose
2 Lascivious Digitation, or The Importance of Manual Stimulation to the Invert Artist
3 Dr. Octogynecologist
4 Portrait of the Artist as a Young Ladybird
5 The Sting
Conclusion: Leaf Taking
Notes
Bibliography
Index
“A Touch of Blossom’s contention that Sargent openly pursued an ‘invert’ agenda in his portraits may seem radical to some readers. However, any skepticism, if such exists, soon evaporates in the face of Alison Syme’s cogent, finely crafted argument. Written with wit and grace, and filled with vivid stylistic analyses and ingenious verbal and visual puns, this book is as engaging as the brilliant portraits it examines. Its opulent illustrations and sophisticated design complement Penn State Press’s admirable commitment to breaking down the academic barriers between art and science. The result is a brave and original cultural portrait that rivals Sargent’s own in subtlety, depth, and beauty.”
—Laurinda Dixon, Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide
