When I browsed the auctions online recently, a portrait of General Sir Herbert Taylor by Sir Thomas Lawrence caught my eye. Taylor, in a red army coat, has his head slightly turned against dramatic light, looking into distance pensively. With his slightly ruffled hair, bright eyes and rosy cheeks, he certainly looks youthful, handsome, and … Continue reading The Curious Case of General Sir Herbert Taylor
Tag: portrait
Milwaukee Art Museum Acquires Copley Masterpiece
The Milwaukee Art Museum has acquired the portrait Alice Hooper, a major colonial American painting by John Singleton Copley (1738–1815). Copley is recognized as one of the great American artists of the day—and one of the first native-born painters to achieve success both at home and abroad. Alice Hooper, painted by Copley around 1763, depicts … Continue reading Milwaukee Art Museum Acquires Copley Masterpiece
Not Your Uncle’s Sort of Cross-Dressing
This portrait of a young boy may give the 21st Century viewer cause for pause. At first we may incorrectly assume it’s a young girl. In that case the next question will be “but what’s with the rifle?” As many who are accustomed to looking at early 19th Century portraits know, it’s actually a young … Continue reading Not Your Uncle’s Sort of Cross-Dressing
Gilbert Stuart at Neapolitan Public Auction
An early 19th-century portrait attributed to Gilbert Stuart heads Auctions Neapolitan's sale July 25. Although the plaque identifies the subject as Cyrus Blake and is dated 1800, I have to suspect the reasoning of the article in liveauctioneers which claims that the frame is original. The heavily ornamental frame is more likely from after Stuart's active period. [Read More...]
Urban Art & Antiques 