A major oil painting of an 18th Century female scholar has been rediscovered by London’s National Portrait Gallery.
The portrait of Elizabeth Carter, painted between 1735 and 1741 by John Fayram, was found by curators in a private collection.
Carter was part of the Bluestocking group of intellectuals who promoted the advancement of women.
The painting, which will go on display from 13 March, depicts Carter as Minerva, goddess of wisdom and warfare.
It will be part of the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition, Brilliant Women: 18th Century Bluestockings, which will run until 15 June.
“This portrait was part of a campaign to present Carter as an intellectual prodigy, a female celebrity and a virtuous role model for women who might wish to pursue an education,” said the exhibition’s co-curator, Dr Lucy Peltz.
Multi-talented
The gallery’s curators knew of the portrait’s existence from a poem published in 1741 and a photograph sent to the gallery in the 1940s.
But the painting, part of a private collection, has never been on public display and was unearthed while curators researched the exhibition.
Carter was well known to her contemporaries for her successful translation of the ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus.
Writer Samuel Johnson once said that his “old friend, Mrs Carter could make a pudding as well as translate Epictetus… and work a handkerchief as well as compose a poem”.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7281771.stm
Captured on canvas: Broken-nosed Prince Harry and Prince William with added curls unveiled at National Portrait Gallery
The first oil portrait of Princes William and Harry was unveiled yesterday – with all parties declaring themselves delighted at the result.
Artist Nicky Philipps said she felt ‘ particularly pleased’ with Harry’s profile – including what she described as his broken nose.
And the balding Wills will not be complaining that he has been given rather more hair than he actually possesses.
The brothers, aged 25 and 27, had never been persuaded to pose formally for an artist before.
‘Prince Harry has the most wonderful profile,’ said Miss Philipps. ‘When he was a little boy he had a bit of a ski jump nose but apparently he broke it at school and it has since straightened itself out. I also think the little quiff and his slumped shoulders are very him.’
Although the incident was never made public, it was confirmed yesterday that Harry broke his nose playing rugby at Eton when he was 16.
Close inspection of the portrait also shows William bearing the scar across his forehead caused when he was hit with a golf club while at school.
The painting will remain on display for six months before being returned to the gallery’s collection or sent out on loan.
I quite like the oil portrait of prince william and Harry, but I am not sure the artist quite captured William’s true personality.
Thanks for the interesting post! May I ask where you get your sources from?
This is the first web site I have seen on this subject. Lots to talk about. I’m going to show my sister. It will absolutely start a whole new topic of conversation.