Art Archives - LadyKflo

Mr and Mrs Andrews by Thomas Gainsborough, 1749

Some couples seem made for each other, like Mr and Mrs Andrews in their 1749 wedding portrait. In this Thomas Gainsborough masterpiece we find these newlyweds proudly perched before their grand estate. Robert Andrews and his wife Frances Mary look so well-matched they could be siblings. Their setting is as suitable to them as they are to each other. It’s both rich and natural just like the couple. Robert and Frances Mary Andrews wear fine clothes with casual ease – unbuttoned and comfortable. Even with her ridiculous skirt, […]

Marriage a la Mode The Tete a Tete by William Hogarth

Marriage a la Mode II, The Tete a Tete by William Hogarth

Marriage a la Mode II: The Tete a Tete works like a meme rather than just a painting. That’s because William Hogarth was more than a mere master painter. He was a writer and satirist with an unabashed bawdiness and humor that made Hogarth an icon. In fact, his work punctuated a significant part of the social milieu to the point that “Hogarthian” refers to art done in his satirical style even today. Podcast version of this post. French & Italian Art Influences Evident from its title, Marriage

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche

Painted in the glory days of 1833, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey exemplifies the qualities of historical painting. It’s dramatic, technically exquisite, and a bit wrong on the factual details. These elements made history paintings popular in the 19th century and then passé soon after. I have a penchant for these artworks. History paintings remind me of the old timey ads for snake oil products. The portrayals often open a window into the hot controversy of a time period and offer one take on the topic. Podcast