AIBU to buy the painting?

[thegreenlight]

I have fallen in love with a large oil portrait of a beautiful late Georgian woman - I only live in a 3 bed semi and having lots of renovation work done soon. With architect fees we are tight (renovation money coming when remortgage goes through early next year) but it’s always been my ambition to own a proper portrait of a Georgian lady (I have a deep interest in social history and costume of that specific period) she is honestly the most beautiful thing I have seen in my life. I never thought it was something I could achieve. It’s a big birthday for me early next year - should I get her? She’s on reserve right now, DH has said yes but I’ve never spent this much money on myself before. Am I crazy even to consider it?

Will it stop you heating or eating? Is it your own money? (How much is she?)

Knock yourself out if so.

It’s my own money (which could go elsewhere like structural engineers) she’s £1350. Would you like to see her? Am I silly having her in such a modest house?

As long as your not getting into debt and it makes you happy then go for it.

Many years ago in my early twenties I blew £500 on a painting I fell in love with. I was so poor at the time and really couldn't afford it, I had to juggle bills, walk everywhere, eat the cheapest things possible for ages, sell bits and pieces etc etc. Sometimes I was even counting up coppers to buy a loaf of bread. It was in fact ridiculous that I bought it.

It is still one of the best things I've ever bought and it was absolutely worth it. Without a doubt. It's brought me joy for years and years and years.

Do it.

Not silly at all! Art makes a house into a home. Just as important as paint etc. provided you don’t have to miss out on essentials having something you love to look at is wonderful. Could you negotiate on the price?

And I would like to see her

She’s so enigmatic - such a modern gaze. I want her in my life. She came from an estate sale in Kent, from a country house.

I need her in my life!

Who is she and what is she holding?

The dealer has already knocked it down in price and will deliver for free. She’s 90cm x 80cm so a substantial piece!

She is obviously going to give you so much joy, Op, buy her!

Nothing other that she was from a country house estate sale in Kent. She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?

Doitdoitdoit

I don't think she is a thing of beauty, but that's the idea of art.
I do love history though and would love to own a portrait such as this one, I just wonder who she was and what her story is.
Do it OP, buy the painting 😁

I would buy it if I were you. I always like to think of William Morris 'have nothing in your house you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful'. It will make your heart sing for years.

It's a painting and not part of the house. It's wonderful and if you can get it then you should!

For example, I've seen giant fireplaces in modest houses which are out of place and keeping and dominate the room, but a painting would be fine.

Buy the painting.

Please buy her if you love her.
I once, 20+ years ago saw a beautiful painting of two children, naked from the bath in front of the fire. I missed buying it, I still regret not buying it.
Your lady is gorgeous.

Dogscanteatonions you sound like me!

My dad told me once 'its the things you don't buy that you regret.'

If the painting makes your heart skip a beat you have to buy it 😁

Buy it! It is lovely to have something original. Just tell people she is an ancestor of yours!

Buy her. No question. She'll bring you years of happiness

Buy her! Ask family and friends for contributions (small or large) towards the cost instead of Christmas and birthday presents for the next few years, but buy her!

I never do this and always regret it. You love it so much, go for it!

Treat yourself. You are never going to stop thinking about this painting if you don't and somebody else buys it!
You can afford it. Your husband doesn't care. It's an investment!

MarthaJonesPhone she literally makes my heart skip a beat - that’s it exactly!