Tuesday 1 September 2009

More lessons from history

Rich people have always tried to get us to pay for their fun (sometimes justifiably). Even in 1858, there were appeals to save artwork from export:

Will the ENGLISH PUBLIC ALLOW this grand PICTURE to be LOST for ever from this COUNTRY? – Now EXHIBITING, CHARLES the FIRST's long-lost inimitable SLEEPING VENUS, the chef-d'oeuvre of Titian. A large number of connoisseurs from all parts of the globe pronounce it faultless. I am willing to exhibit the picture against any other Titian for beauty of feature and perfection of colour, drawing and design.–J. C. BARRATT, 369, Strand. Admission 1s.

This might be the Giorgione 'Sleeping Venus' with possible background work by Titian, now in the Gemäldegalerie, Dresden, or Titian's 'Venus of Urbino' in the Uffizi, Florence.

More historical extracts when I get back from Wales in a few days.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hello! I know this is 6 years ago... BUT do you have a reference for this quote??
It would so help my research!
FYI the picture was bought by the Duke of Wellington for £800 in 1859 - but Mr Barratt had originally paid £12 :)
twitter = @uglowluke
lukesuglow@gmail.com

THANKS!