This is an 18th century portrait of 17th century fashion and I LOVE that.
It is thought to be the portrait of Jonathan Buttall, but this is not 100% confirmed information, but we can say that this Jonathan guy owned the painting since its creation until he filed for bankruptcy in 1796.
Apparently Gainsborough decided on this subject to “challenge” Reynolds and his theory that it would be awful to have a painting with a warm background and a cold lighted subject. Of course he was wrong, but we have already talked about Reynolds’ love for red.
The idea of the 17th century fashion came from the Van Dyck portrait of Charles II (well, who doesn’t love the bows and lace?). From my side, I totally LOVE the open sleeves of his little doublet and I have to say that this painting and the Versailles stills we’ve seen go perfectly together in all that blue.
THE BLUE BOY IS BACK AND I HAVEN’T THOUGHT ABOUT IT!
After 100 years (yes! It was bought in 1921), he’s back to The National Galley since last January till May 15th in Room 46.
So, everyone who can, go pay a visit to my personal favourite portrait in Van Dyke fashion. Of course, here a short video from the National Gallery talking about Gainsborough, the painting, the colour, the fashion, and one of the (several) supposed identities of The Blue Boy:
