The Sibyl's multi-coloured clothing seems to be ready for anything she sees in a world of wonders. The curiosity in her face, fearless and maybe even naive, brings no preconceived ideas to her observation.
I was in the Wallace several years ago and was thrilled to see your post today. I agree that it is a beautiful classical gallery. I remember the large Oudry paintings of sumptuous animal paintings. In your post I remembered the Shepherd. Today, looking at it, I’m wondering if it is not a picture of David, just before he slew Goliath? It seems to be very regal, maybe foreshadowing his kingship?
So glad to know today’s article sparked a few good memories for you, Diane. And that’s a really great point about the van Dyck painting being David instead of Paris.
As far as I know, the attribution to Paris is fairly solid as it’s on the actual frame, and also given that the museum itself keep that as its title. But as always with art history, these things are rarely 100% certain. So who knows, maybe future study or reattribution will prove you right!
I wonder whether Domenichino’s Sibyl might represent the muse Erato, governing over human creativity in the arts. The red could symbolize the passion of an artist, poet or sculptor while the blue, normally associated with the Virgin, might represent purity in thought while the gold is symbolic of divine guidance and the white the truth underlying all of reality.
That’s a really great interpretation. A few other readers mentioned the possible association with representing the visual arts too. So your idea of the muse Erato and the deeper meaning of those colour choices really is a brilliant idea.
Thank you, George for this quick tour. It does take some time to finish it off correctly! I am still enjoying the rendering of the clothes (or coverings) of these figures. How do they do that? Such skill and wonderful use of shadow and color.
Really glad you enjoyed it - and especially that it is making you want to take time with the works too. You’re so right about the way the clothes are rendered - it really is remarkable how each artist achieves their effect.
Yet another reminder of this understated gem of a place. Not the flavour of this thread, maybe, but their armour collection is sensational. The whole collection really. Become a Friend!
Honestly, you would adore it in there! There are quite a few other Canalettos in other rooms too - plus Fragonard’s famous paianting “The Swing” and so many other highlights. I’m sure you would be similar to me and just want to stay wandering around in there for a whole day!
Absolutely! It always takes hours and hours and I'm sure that in an exhibition like that I would need more (and I'm sure I would cry more than once). And The swing is such a beautiful painting! ugh really I would cry a lot jaja
That’s a really good idea, Kate. And certainly not impossible, especially given the fact that her hands appear to be resting on an altarpiece panel with the doors closed.
I am ashamed to confess George that I have not (yet) visited the Wallace Collection. I do not know why and have no excuse. Your piece again reminded me that I must correct this lapse.
Fortunately, I have visited The Wallace Collection many times as it is a mere ten minute walk from my office. Of course, it contains many treasures but the quality overall is a bit uneven in my humble opinion. All that Sevres and heavy ormolu and gilt gives me a headache. Moreover, the house is stuffed full of 18/19th c Dutch and French paintings, some very finely executed but others quite workmanlike and uninspiring. However, the lesser galleries are worth a diversion, notably one that contains a terrific painting by Pourbus plus a selection of miniatures, majolica etc. And one should also not overlook the magnificent collection of arms and weaponry. There is plenty to tempt the eye at The Wallace Collection.
I was intrigued by the sextet you highlighted that especially caught your eye. Domenichino is an underrated artist. He was originally apprenticed to the talented but irascible Dennis Calvaert in Bologna, a Flemish painter who left for Italy as a young man. Domenichino followed the path of his other pupils, notably Albani and Guido Reni, to the workshop of the Carracci family from which they all flourished. A good lesson in looking after your people or they may be tempted by pastures new! If you or anyone on this thread wish to wander round The Wallace Collection for an hour or two. I would be delighted to join you. Thank you for yet another thoughtful and interesting post.
The Sibyl's multi-coloured clothing seems to be ready for anything she sees in a world of wonders. The curiosity in her face, fearless and maybe even naive, brings no preconceived ideas to her observation.
They are all exquisite paintings. I can see why you extol about the gallery. Sibyl is quite striking.
I was in the Wallace several years ago and was thrilled to see your post today. I agree that it is a beautiful classical gallery. I remember the large Oudry paintings of sumptuous animal paintings. In your post I remembered the Shepherd. Today, looking at it, I’m wondering if it is not a picture of David, just before he slew Goliath? It seems to be very regal, maybe foreshadowing his kingship?
So glad to know today’s article sparked a few good memories for you, Diane. And that’s a really great point about the van Dyck painting being David instead of Paris.
As far as I know, the attribution to Paris is fairly solid as it’s on the actual frame, and also given that the museum itself keep that as its title. But as always with art history, these things are rarely 100% certain. So who knows, maybe future study or reattribution will prove you right!
I think the Sibyl painting is gorgeous.
I wonder whether Domenichino’s Sibyl might represent the muse Erato, governing over human creativity in the arts. The red could symbolize the passion of an artist, poet or sculptor while the blue, normally associated with the Virgin, might represent purity in thought while the gold is symbolic of divine guidance and the white the truth underlying all of reality.
That’s a really great interpretation. A few other readers mentioned the possible association with representing the visual arts too. So your idea of the muse Erato and the deeper meaning of those colour choices really is a brilliant idea.
Thank you, George for this quick tour. It does take some time to finish it off correctly! I am still enjoying the rendering of the clothes (or coverings) of these figures. How do they do that? Such skill and wonderful use of shadow and color.
Really glad you enjoyed it - and especially that it is making you want to take time with the works too. You’re so right about the way the clothes are rendered - it really is remarkable how each artist achieves their effect.
Yet another reminder of this understated gem of a place. Not the flavour of this thread, maybe, but their armour collection is sensational. The whole collection really. Become a Friend!
Oh, absolutely. I didn’t even have time to stray into the Armour section yesterday, but that is a really fine collection too.
The envy I feel! I dream about visiting places like this. And that is one of my favorites by Canaletto!
Honestly, you would adore it in there! There are quite a few other Canalettos in other rooms too - plus Fragonard’s famous paianting “The Swing” and so many other highlights. I’m sure you would be similar to me and just want to stay wandering around in there for a whole day!
Absolutely! It always takes hours and hours and I'm sure that in an exhibition like that I would need more (and I'm sure I would cry more than once). And The swing is such a beautiful painting! ugh really I would cry a lot jaja
The first thing that caught my eye about A Sybil was the masterful use of the primary colours. Perhaps she represents visual art?
That’s a really good idea, Kate. And certainly not impossible, especially given the fact that her hands appear to be resting on an altarpiece panel with the doors closed.
I am ashamed to confess George that I have not (yet) visited the Wallace Collection. I do not know why and have no excuse. Your piece again reminded me that I must correct this lapse.
Oh., I’d love to read a Meander on your visit there should you ever get the chance, Harry.
I'm heading south in September George, so may well have opportunity for a visit then 🤞
Fortunately, I have visited The Wallace Collection many times as it is a mere ten minute walk from my office. Of course, it contains many treasures but the quality overall is a bit uneven in my humble opinion. All that Sevres and heavy ormolu and gilt gives me a headache. Moreover, the house is stuffed full of 18/19th c Dutch and French paintings, some very finely executed but others quite workmanlike and uninspiring. However, the lesser galleries are worth a diversion, notably one that contains a terrific painting by Pourbus plus a selection of miniatures, majolica etc. And one should also not overlook the magnificent collection of arms and weaponry. There is plenty to tempt the eye at The Wallace Collection.
I was intrigued by the sextet you highlighted that especially caught your eye. Domenichino is an underrated artist. He was originally apprenticed to the talented but irascible Dennis Calvaert in Bologna, a Flemish painter who left for Italy as a young man. Domenichino followed the path of his other pupils, notably Albani and Guido Reni, to the workshop of the Carracci family from which they all flourished. A good lesson in looking after your people or they may be tempted by pastures new! If you or anyone on this thread wish to wander round The Wallace Collection for an hour or two. I would be delighted to join you. Thank you for yet another thoughtful and interesting post.