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?

Buy her.

I used to live in a small apartment and had loads of pieces by modern Irish female artists.

They’ve moved with me a few times and have been added to. I love them.

Buy the painting!

Buy her. Like a previous poster, we bought a painting about 15 years ago, of a beach my husband played on as a child. It’s our favourite beach, and now our grown up children. We were skint. We managed. The painting is amazing. And worth a lot more now than we paid for it.

But it won’t ever be sold!

Lovely. What is the dealer btw? I only ever pass galleries of new paintings when I’m wandering around - I only ever see old ones in museums, or I suppose for tens of thousands of pounds at big auctions that advertise in magazines.

£1350 is nothing , buy her because it sounds like you won't find another if you leave her . Everyone needs something that is a total indulgence

Buy it or you will always regret it.

This is what happened to me, I bought it, no regrets!

You love her, it means something to you, it’s your birthday, go for it. It’s not just a gift for you, it’s a gift for future generations to enjoy (just as generations before have). I still think about a beautiful painting I didn’t buy.

Get off Mumsnet and get it! The money will only go on something easily forgotten - she'll be around forever. Go for it!

Do it! It will give you joy every time you look at the painting.
I have a few paintings (that cost £££ rather than ££££) but I just love having them in my life. Joy every day!

Another one here saying 'Do it'. Once the money is spent, you won't miss it. It will be forgotten about in a year. You'll still have your painting. It'd cost more for a week at centreparcs which it'd be gone in an instant and forgotten about just as quickly. Do, do it - and come back and tell us you have!

I actually like the painting. She's got that Georgian mesmerising quality.

Of course you should.
I have many lovely things in my home, collected over decades, they make me feel happy every time I get home.

I bought an expensive painting when we first moved into our house as a moving in gift for us. Years later i still smile every time i see it.

Buy it! You wont regret it.

Buy it. No question. 💓

Just do it. I bought a piece of art about 12 years ago. It’s doubled in price, but more importantly, whenever I look at the picture (every day) I love it again. It brings me so much happiness - and I don’t regret a penny.

i can totally understand being drawn to a piece of art so strongly . I’ve promised myself one day I’ll get myself a painting by an artist who wrote a book that has such huge sentimental value to me.

If the painting will make you happy and you can afford it then definitely get it !

Definitely buy her. She's gorgeous and you will never find another the same. I think you will regret it if you don't.

I have quite a few paintings - if I love something I always try to buy it.

What’s that in her tight hand a pine cone?
am also wondering what that is olin her hair - a silk frill?

If you can afford it yes. I still regret not buying 2 different paintings I fancied years ago!

Buy it! I deeply regret not buying a painting I fell in love with years ago 😟

My paintings and artwork make my home what it is. Save on things like wallpaper - just hang paintings. PS - it's a lovely painting.

Buy her, bring her home to you! I still regret not buying an Alison Lapper print yrs ago for £400 (before she did the fourth plinth)

You'll regret it if you don't. As you have the money, just buy the painting.

What's the condition like? Looks like there's some very heavy old restoration work (mainly on the flesh tones and face and probably lots in the darker areas because that ages quicker). Looks like it could do with a good clean as the varnish has yellowed but that would bring further restoration work. Canvas looks in decent nick? Is there an attribution for the work and provenance? Not to say you shouldn't buy it - as you clearly love it I think you should! But it's good to know what you're getting as an object, so to speak, and you'll get the most info by asking all the questions now. Look at the back and see what you can find out - previous sale labels etc. Dealers normally start there when examining pictures.

peanutbuttertoasty you sound very knowledgeable! It has had a new backing. I can’t see it, unfortunately as it’s in London and I’m not. I don’t mind if it looks old - I kind of like that!