A portrait of a lavishly-dressed Englishwoman hangs above the fireplace in the formal living room at White Oaks, the home of Furman University\u2019s president. Since she was brought home to the mansion in the 1970s, the creator of the masterpiece was always thought to be renowned English portrait and landscape artist Thomas Gainsborough.<\/p>\n
Two years ago, questions were raised about the real painter of the portrait. Was it painted by Gainsborough himself, whose most famous works include \u201cThe Blue Boy,\u201d or by his lesser-known nephew, Gainsborough Dupont? By next week, the mystery should be put to rest.<\/p>\n
Furman\u2019s Decorative and Fine Arts Committee is bringing to campus Hugh Belsey, the foremost authority on Thomas Gainsborough and former curator of the Gainsborough House museum in Sudbury, England, to examine the work of art, titled \u201cPortrait of Lady Impey.\u201d He will share his findings during a public lecture Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. in Patrick Lecture Hall of the Townes Science Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a tremendous opportunity for students to learn from an international art scholar,\u201d said university collections manager Elizabeth Hamlett.<\/p>\n
The 1786 portrait of Lady Mary Impey, wife of an imperial judge of India, was purchased in 1975 by Greenville resident Homozel Mickel Daniel from a New York City auction house. It was part of the White Oaks Collection, which was bequeathed to Furman by Mrs. Daniel in 1992. At the time, Sotheby\u2019s could not determine whether the true artist was Gainsborough or his nephew, who worked with his uncle as an apprentice and studio assistant.<\/p>\n
Two years ago, a descendant of the Impey family in England contacted Furman to inquire about the painting. Since then, Hamlett has been researching the painting\u2019s provenance. The painting seems to have remained in the family until 1904 and changed hands several times thereafter.<\/p>\n
While the painting\u2019s size, style and known origins suggest it is a Thomas Gainsborough painting, Hamlett hopes Belsey\u2019s visit will confirm the theory.<\/p>\n
As part of his upcoming lecture, Belsey will also discuss the significance of Thomas Gainsborough\u2019s work, especially those pieces done later in his life. Gainsborough, well-known for paintings including \u201cThe Blue Boy\u201d and \u201cMr. and Mrs. Andrews,\u201d is considered to be one of the masters of 18th<\/sup> century landscape painting and portraiture.<\/p>\n