Thomas Gainsborough (1727 ndash; 1788) was an English portrait and landscape artist; the most versatile English painter of the 18th century. He was the most inventive and original; always prepared to experiment with new ideas and techniques. Gainsborough alone among the great portrait painters of the era also devoted serious attention to landscapes. Unlike Reynolds; he was no great believer in an academic tradition and laughed at the fashion for history painting; an instinctive painter; he delighted in the poetry of paint. In his racy letters Gainsborough shows a warm-hearted and generous character and an independent mind. His comments on his own work and methods; as well as on some of the old masters; are very revealing and throw considerable light on contemporary views of art. Gainsborough was noted for the speed with which he applied paint; and he worked more from observations of nature than from application of formal academic rules. The poetic sensibility of his paintings caused Constable to say; "On looking at them; we find tears in our eyes and know not what brings them." His later work was characterized by a light palette and easy; economical strokes.
2015-03-19 2015-03-19File Name: B00UY6XNBI
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A truly amazing historical book!By John StrongAn amazing book!!! It is extraordinary depiction of a very historical area of our country. The author is to be commended for his excellent research and writing ability to develop this great book!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Glad to have this on my shelf.By AlleycatLoved the images. Definitely captured much of bygone life in a very interesting city. A great book for history buffs and for folks who have lived there.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A perfect book telling the history of where I grew up.By Patricia LaneWonderful book and great pictures of a section of my home town. Jack Shean did a excellent job for such a young writer and historian.
