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?

If you love it, buy it. About 10 years ago I fell utterly in love with a very large tapestry (like covers a whole wall huge) that was a ridiculous sum of money. Short version is that DH & I bought it, it hangs in our bedroom, I still love it and wake up every morning loving it.

Buy the painting 😁

Buy it OP! You will regret it forever if you don't! And how wonderful to surround yourself with things you love, that you will appreciate and love every day.
I would buy it in a heartbeat and I think it is a beautiful painting.

I don't like what's happened to her face. I think someone's had a go at it, giving her almost a bearded look. The eyeliner effect is also not period. I would not buy a painting without seeing it face to face. I also find it odd that it is listed as Georgian - Early Victorian. The dealer should know a bit more than that, surely!

Oddly, I was looking through this week's Big Issue today, and saw a painting featured in an article which looked rather a similar style. The artist (I'd not heard of him) was called John Astley. Painting in the 1700s.

Good pickup.

www.artnet.com/artists/john-astley/

No. Not at all.

Not at all.

Not at all of the era? I would think it is very much of the era - certainly more so than Early Victorian!

Oh no, around the era for sure, but I would say earlier, the manner is older anyway. Not the same artist though, I thought that's what you meant.
It's an interesting piece but probably would be a mistake to buy without seeing it first.
It looks as if it needs a lot of sensitive restoration. It's been tarted up and is very dirty. But too much done to it and it loses its charm. The price should reflect that, imo.
But no one has to be all cold and rational, if you love it OP, that's good enough.

Pinecones are also seen as a symbol of enlightenment and illumination in the Christian faith. Many churches have candle holders and lamps carved in the shape of pinecones.

Or the object in her hand could be grapes
Fertility and salvation are interconnected with the portrayal of grapes in art due to their symbolic link to the blood of Christ
I’ve definitely heard of grapes representing fecundity.

Well - the poll has spoken… I’ve bought her and she’s now mine! I will update with a photo of her on my wall when she arrives. I wonder if I’ll ever find out who she is!

😀

Oh that is fantastic news - I hope she brings you much joy!!!!

And I will look forward to the photograph!

Glad you've bought her! I still regret not buying a painting I loved many years ago and I still think of it occasionally. Good for you, enjoy.

Yay! so pleased you went for it!

Clockapp any chance of you sharing the artist. I’m obsessed with your description of your piece!

@BabyofMine sure! It's William Vanscoy. John Lewis are now selling reproductions of the originals we have but they still look amazing!

www.johnlewis.com/william-vanscoy-all-i-have-to-give-embellished-framed-print-84-x-110cm/p2741200

Thank you so much! You’re description did it justice, love them! Lucky you, so happy for you that you finally got one :)

Yay 😀

The dealer is going to deliver to me in person as she’s so worried about posting her (she’s in the area visiting family) I noticed she’s also selling a portrait of a man of a similar period in a matching frame - her husband I imagine? He’s not much of a looker and much older. Poor girl! I’m building this story in my head which is very Madame Bovary!

So glad you have bought her, Op!

Oh I’m pleased you went through with it ❤️

Here she is - it’s night time and she needs a picture light but she’s so much more beautiful in person. I got out of bed a few times last night just to gaze at her. Thankyou for all the advice and support!

Lovely! I hope she gives you many years of pleasure.

She looks beautiful up there OP. Fantastic purchase. 💖

She looks wonderful. What a lovely thing to have.