Art Gallery of Ontario's newest European art acquisition is equal parts beauty, mystery and potential
The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Tuesday, November 26, 2024


Art Gallery of Ontario's newest European art acquisition is equal parts beauty, mystery and potential
Unknown, European. Portrait of a Lady, Three Quarter Length, Holding an Orange Tree Flower, mid-18th century. Oil on canvas, Overall: 80 × 56.2 cm. Purchase, 2020. 2019/2437



TORONTO.- If you’ve read about the AGO’s recent acquisitions, then you know it’s a top priority of the gallery to acquire dynamic and captivating works that will both strengthen and diversify the collection. With this in mind, AGO jumped at the opportunity to purchase the beauty you see pictured above. And what’s even more exciting is that it comes to AGO with a fascinating mystery to uncover.

Portrait of a Lady Holding an Orange Blossom is a striking and mysterious portrait that commands your attention. Its central figure is a young woman wearing a luxurious blue silk gown, woven with intricate lace trim. Around her neck and wrists are elegant pearls, which complement her bejewelled drop earrings. She is aware of her own radiance, smizing with piercing brown eyes and regal posture, clasping the front of her gown while presenting an orange tree blossom.

Though the subject’s presence is arresting and undeniable, her identity, as well as that of the artist who painted her, are currently unknown. Scholars agree that Portrait of a Lady is from the mid-1700s, painted by a male artist who was born and trained in Europe. With so many unanswered questions, we are left wondering: Who was this painter? What is the location of this painting and what brought him there? Who was his stunning subject?

Very few portraits of Black people by European artists survive from this time period. The painting raises important questions about the subject’s status within the transatlantic slave trade. While her opulent clothing and the mere existence of the portrait suggest that she was a free woman, her ancestors and even one of her parents may have been enslaved.

AGO continues to do research to find out more about her story. In the meantime, the presence of this figure in the European galleries reminds us that history is complex and diverse, composed of countless stories told from many perspectives. For the AGO, this acquisition is an important step toward acknowledging the rich and vital presence of people of colour in the history of Europe and its art.

Portrait of a Lady Holding an Orange Blossom is currently on view on Level 1 in Frank P. Wood Gallery (Gallery 123).










Today's News

March 2, 2020

Newly-conserved works by Murillo displayed at the National Gallery of Ireland

Exhibition of still life paintings by Todd M. Casey opens at Rehs Contemporary

Paris's Louvre museum closes over staff coronavirus fears

Major fashion acquisition adds 350+ one-of-a-kind designs by Geoffrey Beene to Phoenix Art Museum fashion collection

'Immortal Piano' set for Israel auction

Albertina Museum opens an exhibition of masterpieces from The Hahnloser Collection

Art Gallery of Ontario's newest European art acquisition is equal parts beauty, mystery and potential

Canadian artist and educator Lois Etherington Betteridge passes away

Vatican opens archives on history's most controversial pope

Solo exhibition of new and recent paintings by Peter Stephens on view at David Richard Gallery

Gagosian opens an exhibition of new paintings by Dan Colen

Marc Straus announces the representation of Anne Samat

To play Maria Callas, Monica Bellucci confronts stage fright

For ballet shoes, one Russian company is on pointe

Major John Hitchens retrospective opens at Southampton City Art Gallery

MOTHER...An artwork by artists Heather and Ivan Morison of Studio Morison launches in Cambridgeshire

Joint exhibition of works by Riccardo Guarneri and Qingzhen Han opens at rosenfeld

Race and rally cars head to the grid at H&H Classics' next auction online

Impressionist painting by Frits Thaulow to headline Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers sale

'Rethreading and Retracing: Textiles & Techniques by Bita Ghezelayagh' opens at Aga Khan Centre Gallery

MWPAI exhibition celebrates Women's Suffrage and honors female artists

Lynda Benglis sculpture soars to $184,500 and two new records set on 20th century furniture at Clars

Holabird Western Americana Collections announces results of 'Objects of Our Affection' auction

From Bonn to Vienna, in search of Beethoven, the man

Laumeier Sculpture Park presents 'Mark Dion: Follies'

A Useful Guide About Online Casino Games and Bonuses

Online Sports Betting - Necessary Information for Beginners

Real Estate, Finance, or Business




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 



Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)
Editor & Publisher: Jose Villarreal
Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez
Writer: Ofelia Zurbia Betancourt

Attorneys
Truck Accident Attorneys
Accident Attorneys
Houston Dentist
Abogado de accidentes
สล็อต
สล็อตเว็บตรง
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org juncodelavega.com facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
to a Mexican poet.
Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site Parroquia Natividad del Señor
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful