Recently, the art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon explained in a series on Dutch art that one famous painting was a kind of romantic calling card. The so-called 'Laughing Cavalier' by Frans Hals shows a richly dressed young man with a slight smile - almost the male version of the Mona Lisa. The reason for his careful dress, lace and arranged hair and moustache is because he is sitting for a courtship portrait. He wishes to impress someone. I think this is why he is smiling very slightly - he wishes to hint at his character and good humour.
I wonder if the lady who received the picture was taken with it and accepted his suit?
The romance of a picture! There must be a story in there.
Have you ever sent a picture or photograph of yourself to someone? Or, if you are a writer, have you ever had one of your characters do this? Please let us know in the comments section below.
Lindsay Townsend
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2 comments:
Lindsay, Wow... that's one heckuva courtship painting. Either he was besotted or the lady in question was wealthy.
I can't recall sending a pic of myself or having one sent, since I haven't participated in the age of digital dating.
However, what a wonderful story premise. I already have a scene forming in my mind's eye.
Never trust a courtship painting by it's smile, I say. LOL!! I think I did send pics back in 90/91 to my husband when he was deployed to Kuwait, while we were in the military. But then I knew him. I agree - it's an excellent story premise.
Smiles
Steph
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