Me in retirement
December 19 2012
Picture: Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
Just come across this fine picture on Your Paintings called 'The Connoisseur', by Henry Herbert La Thangue. Mrs G looks resignedly on...
Meanwhile, also on Your Paintings, is another rather charming picture called 'The Connoisseur', by August Friedrich Siegert:
Readers who want to display their connoisseurial credentials are invited to send in similar images...
Update - a reader writes:
"The Connoisseur" [top] by Henry Herbert La Thangue is actually of Mr Abraham Mitchell, aged 53 at the time, a Bradford textile tycoon and a Methodist of "reserved and retiring nature". He and his brother Joseph built neighbouring mansions (called "The Parks"), his with a picture gallery, which is the setting for this work. He was one of La Thangue's principal patrons. In the background are his wife and their two sons Tom (standing) and Herbert, and one of his daughters either Edith or Annie. Mitchell had been a local councillor, alderman, JP and refused the mayoralty of the town (see "A Painters Harvest". Oldham Art Gallery catalogue 4 November -12 December 1978 Page 22 & 23).
A very unusual genre for him and a very modern painting for you!!
Add to list of life's ambitions: have a house with a picture gallery.
