October 2009
Beginner
376 pages
14h 37m
English
THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH, C. 1770
In this portrait by British painter Thomas Gainsborough, The Blue Boy is actually a British youngster named Jonathan Buttall. Jonathan’s father made his fortune as a hardware merchant, and he commissioned the renowned Gainsborough to immortalize his son. Gainsborough agreed and set to work on what would turn out to be one of the largest (48 inches wide and 70 inches tall) and most recognizable portraits in Western art.

The Blue Boy, c. 1770 (oil on canvas) ...
Read now
Unlock full access