Da Vinci and Agasse, two portraits

   Here we have one of my favorite Leonaro Da Vinci paintings.   It is titled, Lady With An Ermine and was painted about 1490 when Da Vinci was 38 years old.  It is an oil on walnut and is the property of the National Museum Czartoryski in Krakow, Poland.
   This is a beautiful, realistic image that is very striking.  Da Vinci decided against a background (as he used in Mona Lisa)  in favor of creating great contrast between the flesh tones and rich blacks.  So it is only the woman's dress and the ermine that suggest who she was and what her interests were.
    Many years ago when I saw the Mona Lisa at the Louvre I was amazed at the beauty of her hand, and here again, he has rendered the hand with great skill and tenderness.  But my attention is drawn to the ermine.  How did he do this?  It is amazing.  The animal seems to be looking the same direction as the lady, so soft and such a tender relationship between the two.  This animal is as alive as the woman holding her.   

   So let us jump 348 years.  It is 1838 and Jacques-Laurent Agasse has just completed this beautiful portrait titled: Portrait of Edward Cross, Half-Length, in a Black Coat and Red-Check Waistcoat holding a Lion Cub.   The painting is an oil on canvas and is now in a private collection. 
   I am sure Mr Cross was delighted with this skillfully executed portrait, most likely it reflects his image perfectly.  The background is interesting.  The tree, leaves frame his head and the pillar and architectural lines provide a border for the edges.
   But my attention is drawn to the lion cub.  While Mr. Cross is looking at us with a pleasant grin, the animal is not.  I am mystified why Cross is holding such a wild creature.  Is there any affection between the two?  The animal appears stiff as if he is no longer alive.  Agasse is obviously a talented painter, however, in my mind he doesn't equal the skill of Da Vinci. 
    So what do you think?   How do you paint an animal that couldn't possibly hold still?   Send me your thoughts!
Make Art a part of your day, it's a beautiful thing to do! 

Comments

  1. charguthJune 3, 2019 at 10:45 AM

    How interesting! I don't know how either could be holding a live animal, especially an anxious and feisty animal like an ermine. Must be a pet! I don't think the lion is real It looks like a too-small adult animal. The dark background of the Lady locks us right onto her lovely face and down to her beautiful hands. Her hair confuses me. Is she wearing a wig attached to something that stretches down over her forehead and is fastened under her chin?? The line above her eyebrows suggests that to me, along with the black band to hold it in place. Beautiful skin tones.

    Edward Cross is a proud man, and probably a person of some distinction. His formal dress must be uncomfortable, but he is ready to impress! An interesting composition with his surroundings.
    The Lady seems warm and gentle, while Mr. Cross seems a little aloof. Fun to compare!!

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    Replies
    1. Art Expert On LineJune 4, 2019 at 5:53 AM

      Yes, I agree. I think it is fun to compare such similar paintings, both expertly done. I do agree the animals are confusing, the ermine seems much more of a pet but the lion is a super puzzle. Maybe a bio of Mr. Agasse would offer a clue, but otherwise the reason is lost to history.

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