A Family Grouping
This might possibly be the family of the artist. The wood structure is a painting holder. The father is showing paintings to his child. A structure like this was in a scene of one of Emma movies, where she was showing some of her paintings to Mr. Elton.
Paintings of previous centuries tell stories of the way people lived. They were quite like us, in so many ways, especially in their loyalty to the family. I appreciate James Hayllar's portrayal of family members. The men look strong and trustworthy (respected and revered) and the women look beautiful and understanding: devoted to their homes.
All The World Over
Notice how he painted a replica of his own painting, "All the World Over" on the wall in the background, in this painting called "The Letter."
Keeping Out of the Cold
I like the tenderness showing on the face of this woman, and I enjoy the simple staircase and window in the background. The clothing is not elaborate, yet it is very dignified.
The Only Daughter
I also enjoy seeing the inside architecture of paintings like these, and the paintings in the background portraying relatives that lived before them. It was a custom to show respect for the grandparents by displaying their likeness.
10 comments:
I also like your observations about the men and women...and that the painter put his own painting in the larger one....very unique!
Lynn M.
I have always loved the beautiful paintings you post
thanks
In HIS Keeping
Mrs.B
Dear Lydia,
There is so much to learn from these paintings! How much more beautiful and feminine the women look in their clothing than a similar scene if painted today. I have made it a point to observe what other women are wearing everywhere I go, since this blog brought this to my attention, and I can't believe how much better, in every way, all shapes look in a modest dress or skirt. I had the chance to attend a lovely classical music concert this weekend with my husband, and I was amazed at how lovely the women in dresses and skirts looked. This attire actually seemed to show respect to the musicians, and helped to create a lovely, festive atmosphere. I personally felt very glad that some had taken the time to look lovely!
Perhaps that is why we look at paintings such as these and are prone to reminisce about the "good old days"...when people looked so appropriate and careful of their appearance, it just makes us feel good!
Thank you again,
LG
Lydia,
Thank you for sharing these beautiful paintings. They are a window to the past. What passes for "art" nowadays is not reallly art, but nonsense.
I always look forward to seeing the comment someone writes about the stresses of the times these artists endured, and still werea blet o paint a scene of life as it should be.
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I love the new blog picture! The lady's dress and apron I would love to wear--I think it has a timeless, dignified look to it. Oh how I wish I could find blouses and dresses with such a nice high neck like that. And the apron is useful, with its pockets.
You can get an embroidered apron similar at Victorian Trading, and there is a Simplicity pattern available like it. I think the clothes were not rich but they were simple yet had a fullness about them that was very sweet. The men look great in their fitted clothes, which were most likely hand stitched or handed down, but still very well fitting
Dear Lady Lydia,
Thank you for your continued encouragement via these lovely bits of artwork. My favorite is "Keeping Out The Cold" because it reminds me of my dear husband. I often urge him to wear a hat/scarf when he goes out in cold weather and stand nearby with a beverage (usually coffee, tho) for the purposes of warming him up when he comes back in.
It is pleasant to see the ladies of the day dressed so demurely and in quiet, lovely colors.
Best wishes from,
Susan T.
Your painting series means a great deal to me. The women are ladies even when poor. The men are men whether dressed for church or dressed for the factory. You are wonderful to teach us younger women, although at 46 I'm far from young now.
I have to tell you what my husband said the other day. He wasn't so sure about me growing my hair long and changing my wardrobe to ballet length and long skirts/dresses. The other day he made comments about my hair truly being my crowning glory and my dressing so nicely feminine. He said he wished other women would stop wearing pants. Since I began wearing dresses exclusively, he has begun to notice the arrow effect of slacks on women if you know what I mean. He said he likes seeing me as a woman as a whole instead of my clothing pointing to all my parts. He said he likes being married to a real, beautiful woman. He loves my long curled hair. He loves me without makeup. He loves me in my aprons and mary janes and all the girly stuff. I made a skirt last week. He told me to make lots more, because I looked so elegant and feminine. This is all because of your ministry, since it's not something I had ever considered before reading your blog and LAF.
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