Constable's 'Nip and Tuck' Revealed
September 24 2021
Picture: The Guardian
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Guardian published an interesting story last weekend regarding the recent conservation and research of a reidentified portrait by John Constable. Scholars Anne Lyles and Sarah Cove have unravelled the interesting changes the artist made on the portrait of his neighbour Emily Treslove. This included changing the sitter's facial features after it was considered there was 'scarcely any resemblance'.
Conservator Sarah Cove is quoted:
“The face is very well painted. I discovered during the technical examination that it has actually been partially repainted. Her cheeks and nose have been made slimmer and it looks as if he’s slightly painted out a double chin. Also, the hairstyle has been changed. Perhaps she thought that she looked a bit porky when it was done first time round. I just think that’s hilarious.”
