When it comes to commissioned portraits, artists are generally meant to flatter their subjects. But in painting "Mr. and Mrs. Andrews," Thomas Gainsborough had other ideas.
Thank you for your note - I read Ways of Seeing many, many years ago and enjoyed returning to Berger's analysis. I was especially amused to read that some scholars had disagreed with Berger and claimed that this painting was about the Andrews' love of nature. I'm with Berger - maybe they did love nature, but that is definitely not the message I receive from the painting.
Yes, it would! I'm going to do more research, as I had a hard time finding other examples. I'm sure there are some, but I would guess that most people would destroy anything unflattering. I know Winston Churchill famously destroyed a portrait by Graham Sutherland, but I don't think Sutherland held Churchill in contempt. Rather, Churchill didn't appreciate being portrayed realistically - he had a very idealized image of himself and I guess couldn't face the realities of aging.
You’ll know of John Berger’s reading of this painting?
Thank you for your note - I read Ways of Seeing many, many years ago and enjoyed returning to Berger's analysis. I was especially amused to read that some scholars had disagreed with Berger and claimed that this painting was about the Andrews' love of nature. I'm with Berger - maybe they did love nature, but that is definitely not the message I receive from the painting.
Thanks! This was fascinating.
Thank you for reading!
Not so hidden contempt for patrons in portraiture would make for a very interesting series of pieces
Yes, it would! I'm going to do more research, as I had a hard time finding other examples. I'm sure there are some, but I would guess that most people would destroy anything unflattering. I know Winston Churchill famously destroyed a portrait by Graham Sutherland, but I don't think Sutherland held Churchill in contempt. Rather, Churchill didn't appreciate being portrayed realistically - he had a very idealized image of himself and I guess couldn't face the realities of aging.
Don’t tell him I said it, but my business partner looks like Mr Andrews. (But he’s a great guy.)
Thank you so much! And that is hilarious 😆
Wonderful story and well told!
Let me tell you, this was an absolute DELIGHT to read while I was suffering at work today. Thank you for this piece! I live for the drama.
I'm so happy to hear that!! The research for this piece definitely gave me a giggle. It's great drama