The Javanese dancers had come to the Paris to perform in the colonial section of the Paris Exposition Universal of 1889. They were so popular that they remained for a time  performing in theaters and became part of cosmopolitan chic that was prevalent in the wake of the Exposition. 

Sargent, not one to pass up an opportunity to paint exotic beauty, did a number of studies and oils of the Javanese Dancers 
 
 
 
A Javanese Girl at Her Toilet 
1889  
 

 
Javanese dancer sketch 
1889 ? 
 

 
A Javanese Dancer 
1889 
 

Note: 

Exhibitions 

Sargent's Women,  Adelson Galleries, New York, 2003

Bibliography:
Ratcliff, Carter, "John Singer Sargent," Abbeville Press, New York, 1982.

Illustration:
Ratcliff, "John Singer Sargent," New York, 1982, P.122

Catalogue
JSS: 20054
SIRIS IAP: 86660028
CMM: K8913  

• See the year in review  1889