Birth of a Collection

Masterpieces from the Barber Institute of Fine Arts Room 1, The National Gallery, London Between the foundation of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in 1932 and before the official opening of the building and its galleries on 26 July, 1939, works acquired by its first Director, Professor Thomas Bodkin, were stored or displayed at … Read more

Attributed to Nicolas Lancret (1690-1743)

A Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy Paris, possibly the 1720s Oil on canvas 22.7 x 18 cm The hurdy-gurdy is a musical instrument which was originally associated with the poor and with beggars.  However, in the 18th century it was increasingly played by fashionable members of the nobility who wished to celebrate the simple pleasures of … Read more

Nicolas Lancret (1690-1743)

Lovers in a Landscape (The Turtle Doves) Paris, about 1736 Oil on canvas 75.3 x 97.5 cm A young man gazes at his elegantly-dressed partner and points to a pair of turtle doves.  The birds are the perfect model of faithful lovers who reciprocate their feelings with tenderness.  The couple’s romantic encounter in an idyllic landscape … Read more