Fricke Collection

fricke collection

The Fricke Collection
Lady Meux v. Frances Duncombe

Donated by the Fricke family is a collection housed on fifth avenue, ranging from sculptures and
paintings, to furniture of renowned artists. Paintings in particular, such as, Whistler's, Lady Meux and
Gainsborough's, Frances Duncombe, are classic examples of subtle yet provocative feminist portrayals. The
initial impact of these illustrations is a combination of the surface imagery and the abstract artistic message
conveying politics, religion or personal bias. Artist's attention to detail on these portrait's surface, captures
likeness but focuses setting through richness of color and poise into character personality. When
contrasting and comparing two paintings of distinct styles of select eras, conflicting perceptions are created.
Whistler's, Lady Meux and Gainsborough's Frances Duncombe both exhibit similar themes however were
dissimilar in character composure, panoramic setting, and mood representation.
In contrasting the portraits, confrontational and vulnerable personalities are clearly visible. These
separate presentations are outlined through Whistler's Lady Meux's determined expression and
Gainsborough's Frances Duncombes subtle sidelong distracted look. Lady Meux exhibits simple
confidence and independence in her concrete and firm stance, as opposed to Duncombe's fragile and
elegant unsteady footing. Gainsborough captures a complacent vulnerability perhaps...

Fricke Collection

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