Step into the glittering world of fashion, scandal and shameless self-promotion that made John Singer Sargent the painter who defined an era in John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger - in cinemas nationwide from 16th April.

From the award-winning film company and unique arts brand Exhibition on Screen (Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition, Klimt & the Kiss) this latest film explores the unique creative process of the late 19th century’s favourite portrait artist and the way in which his work captured the spirit of a vibrant and rapidly changing age.

Using fashion to express personality, social position and identity, Sargent used a new visual language, working like a stylist to select and manipulate clothing, meticulously crafting the image of his often-powerful subjects. His daring choices often stirred up huge controversy, capturing alluring truths with each brush stroke and expressing power dynamics and gender identities which were as contested then as they are today. Sexuality, scandal and gender fluidity burst forth from these technically brilliant portraits.

Through interviews with expert curators, artists and contemporary style influencers, this new feature film examines how Sargent’s unique practice has influenced modern art, culture and fashion. Audiences can revel in the splendour of Sargent’s masterful portraits, admire the sumptuous items of clothing which inspired him and understand how his work is as relevant today as it was a century ago.

The film, directed by David Bickerstaff and produced by Phil Grabsky, has a run time of 90 minutes and is based around the back-to-back exhibitions Fashion by Sargent at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Sargent and Fashion at Tate Britain, London.

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Photo above right: Taken during filming at Tate Britain ©Exhibition on Screen