In perhaps an odd juxtaposition, Sir Joshua Reynolds' imposing 'Portrait of Mai' is currently being shown in the Hockney Gallery at Cartwright Hall, as part of Bradford UK City of Culture 2025. It is touring the country, having been 'saved for the nation' in 2023 in a joint venture by the National Portrait Gallery and the Getty Museum. Painted about 1776, it depicts a Polynesian man, Omai, who journeyed with Captain Cook and visited England, being much admired by London society at the time. He is painted in an arcadian scene, wearing flowing robes resembling ceremonial Tahitian dress worn by nobility and the priestly classes. The painting has quite a chequered history (see HERE), belonging to the Howards of Castle Howard for over 200 years.
In the Hockney Gallery there is information about David Hockney's life and work, including some rather lovely sketches of Bradford scenes (above) that he made while he was a student at Bradford College of Art. There are also some colourful iPad drawings he did while living in Bridlington in the early 2000s.
No comments:
Post a Comment