- Cult Classic: When it was released, it was panned by critics and general audiences as nothing more than Fanservice, with reports of the model's mother demanding that the painting be removed from the show for fear of her daughter's reputation. Nowadays, it is one of Sargent's most well-remembered works and a famous example of portraits in the Modern Era of art.
- I Am Not Shazam: Downplayed. While the character of Madame X was certainly based on its model, Sargent himself pronounced that the person depicted in the picture was not Gautreau, but an original character inspired by her. This was considered highly unusual for a portrait in his time.
- Theiss Titillation Theory: Madame's dress seems about to fall open over her right breast; in earlier concepts, the strap on that side had slipped over her shoulder. In reality, the bodice of the dress was rigid and corsetlike and couldn't have fallen lower even if it wanted to.
- Vindicated by History: When originally exhibited, it caused a great deal of scandal in the art circle. Sargent was forced to leave Paris as a result. The painting would become one of his and the era's most iconic pieces.
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