John Singer Sargent was an ardent admirer of singer George Henschel and the two became fast friends. Henschel trained as a pianist before embarking on a career as a baritone. He and his first wife, soprano Lillian Baily, toured Europe and America giving joint recitals. Henschel was the first conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and later conducted the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

This portrait was painted in approximately five sittings—or “standings”—during which Henschel was required to stand on a platform and sing for Sargent. When Henschel’s wife saw the portrait for the first time, she remarked, “How beautiful! It’s George having arrived in heaven.”