Thomas Gainsborough: Great Art Explained
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ม.ค. 2025
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At first glance, Thomas Gainsborough's Mr and Mrs Andrews, looks like just another classic painting of the 18th century, celebrating the dynastic marriage of the upper classes in all their finery.
On closer inspection, two things stand out. One, is that Mrs Andrews has the most curious expression of contempt on her face. The other thing that stands out is the strange area in the middle of her lap which is unfinished. The rest of the painting is complete, so it makes it even more peculiar.
In a painting that is heaving with tension, it is almost certain that at some point Mr and Mrs Andrews were so unhappy with the painting, that they put a halt to the proceedings, and sent Gainsborough on his way.
The painting would then disappear and wouldn't be seen again for over 200 years. Why was this painting kept so secret for so long?
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"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at jamespayne33@hotmail.com
Spanish Subtitles by Alma Perdamo
CREDITS
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram .... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Sound Mix by Oscar Sidoff Rydelius (Thank you!)
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
BOOKS, CATALOGUES AND ESSAYS
Thomas Gainsborough : A Country Life by Hugh Belsey
Gainsborough: World of Art Series by William Vaughan
Gainsborough: A Portrait by Hamilton and James
Thomas Gainsborough by Sir Walter Armstrong
Ways of Seeing by John Berger
MUSIC
Vaughn William's Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Bach Violin Concerto in A Minor
VIDEO CLIPS
Chelsea Lang (Brilliant channel!) - • How to Paint a Master ...
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Please "like" and leave a comment. It REALLY helps with promoting the channel - I appreciate it. Hope you enjoy. James
Great Art Explained: Thomas Gainsborough 0036am 9.9.23 did you create a Blakean skit? i wondered. as he needs to be put to bed. i am sick of listening to folk harp on about Blake.... though being compared to a scrotal bag is, perhaps, something Mr b would impart to the limp wristed limp phallus laden nouveau riche... are we interested in the blots and blurs of the larded artistes of the past? it seems so...
@@JJONNYREPP What on earth are you talking about?
@@SoleaGalilei Comments on ‘Thomas Gainsborough: Great Art Explained’ 2111pm 27.9.23 obviously not great art.
This channel takes paintings that I wouldn't look at twice in a museum and has me binging videos about them for hours. If every gallery had Great Art Explained level commentary it would change the art world!
Wow, thank you!
Exactly what i wanted to write, i adore this channel!
what a thoughtful and well written complement, I could not agree more
Totally agree
I’ve actually been to a museum, the Albertina in Vienna (Austria), that had a separate screening room within a Basquiat exibition, showing the Great Art Explained video about basquiat!
Mr and Mrs Andrews looked down on Gainsborough as he painted their true identities on the canvas. They also thought Gainsborough's genius could be bought, hidden and discarded just as they believed they could own a farmland and be a master of many human beings. To their surprise, centuries later, we see them through Gainsborough's eyes. The triumph of art and genius over wealth and social class, once again. Thank you so much Mr. Payne. What a pleasure every time!
Love this comment!
Art is more associated with social class and wealth though
Man, the 18th century shadiness of paintings are unmatched. They did it with class and wit Contemporary art can't hold a candle to the masters.
I can't overstate how wonderful this channel is, seeing such high quality but digestible content on great art is incredible!
Wow, thank you!
I'm constantly amazed by how oblivious I am to any and all subtext in paintings and would need an explanation video like this for literally anything I view. This was super interesting to watch. Thank you so much
Glad it was helpful!
I distinctly remember laughing out loud when I saw this in the NPG. “Her face!”, I said to my wife. She pointed out it was unfinished, and postulated that it was because she saw what he painted, and stopped paying him for it. Our honeymoon, it was, and I remember this so well, now, like it happened yesterday and not 12 years ago next week.
12 years wow man! What's the secret haha. That's beautiful to hear. May you live together forever.
@@matanyaholmes3964 Thanks so much for your kind words! For my part, it took a couple of marriages to get this one right. We think it’s important that we go on long walks together every day, dreaming and making plans for the future. We also work together, and we prioritize clear divisions between work and life. Respect and listening!
Bless you and yours!
@10:55, the sly insult of the drooping gun alongside the game bag, plus the jackass symbolism, has now made Gainsborough one of my favorite artists of all time. His skill at capturing the nuanced light and color in the lay and folds of fabric is nothing short of amazing. Thank you, James, another brilliant presentation. ♥
This channel has been helping me through a really really rough time. Being able to dive into a niche topic I’m interested in made by someone who is so clearly passionate about it is a wonderful experience, thank you James.
I hope your life gets a little easier soon. Take care - james
I've been a "stealthy" follower for a while. So: Thanks! Please do not stop.
Thanks so much! That is VERY generous and will help so much!
This channel is the reason I developed a love for art. I took a trip to Chicago last month and had the opportunity to stand in front of Nighthawks, A Sunday on La Grand Jatte, Van Gogh's Bedroom, many excellent paintings by Georgia O'Keefe, as well as many other amazing pieces of art. If it weren't for this channel I would have never gone to the Art Institute, and if I had, I certainly wouldn't have appreciated the works as much as I did. Thank you James, you are the 1 TH-camr I am truly excited to see popup in my subscription feed
That’s so great!
Wonderful comment! I've been inspired by this channel to start my weekends by visiting a new museum or art gallery after work on Fridays (last week was The Whitney Museum, NYC). Maybe I'll run into James one day (I'll certainly recognize his voice)!!!
I so appreciate that you’re digging into Gainsborough in a way that’s accessible. Sometimes paintings say a lot more about the painter, the sitters, the history, or intrigue of the time than we can pick up at first glance! Another marvelous video!
Thank for the lovely comment! 🙏
Another brilliant dissection James. In fifteen minutes you reveal the nature of Thomas Gainsborough's oeuvre in a succinct and insightful way. It really helps! Thanks so much.
Honestly, you can really tell that Gainsborough disliked portraiture and preferred landscapes. The people in his paintings are a bit boring and dull, while I find his backgrounds incredibly beautiful and much more vibrant than the subjects in front of them.
I agree
From what I've read, he disliked a lot of people in general. He was very scathing in his views of his clients.
Plus, as James points out, Gainsborough lavished attention on painting the _fabrics_ the subjects wore as if the people themselves didn’t interest him. I’d wonder if that was (1) because of his familiarity with the materials as his father was a weaver and trader in fine fabrics so he focused on them (he would know if the detail was somehow wrong) _or_ (2) so that he could show off his technical skill at rendering the fabrics (probably his clients appreciated that) _or_ (3) some sort of subtle jab at the material opulence his clients enjoyed-or maybe some combination of all of them.
he really liked Mrs Graham, but she still looks "dull" it's just the way noble people was to be portrayed back in those days
Wow! Wasn't expecting Gainsborough, people really do sleep on him in the 21st century
He’s one of my favourites.
One of the best channels on TH-cam
Thank you, I coincidentally just finished watching a series where the main character inherits a Gainsborough worth ridiculous millions of pounds. I'd barely heard of him and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about him 🧠✨
Thank you 🙏
Fascinating! The faces are unsettling in a way - especially Mr Andrews I would say. Close up it looks rather bland, though oddly asymmetrical, but from a distance I'd say his demeanor comes across as even more contemptuous than his wife's. It's a painting that looks quite different depending on the distance of the viewer. Perhaps another way that Gainsborough communicated how differently they were to the people close to them, and the people removed from them.
I find the art world so intimidating. This channel explains these masterpieces in a way that is accessible. I love learning about the artist, the historical context and reception of each piece. James’s narration exudes genuine passion and knowledge of the masterpieces. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for art.
It's such a pleasure to learn about paintings with you, for me it feels like a child learning how to read!
This is hands down some of the best content on the hellscape known as TH-cam. Let’s get smarter and better. 🍸❤
Thank you for your hard work! I always look forward to new episodes.
🙏 thank you 🙏
I look forward to every upload!
Mrs Andrews resembles Mr. Bean
Lmao now I can’t unsee it
😂
You just opened my eyes to Gainsborough. Thank you!
Everytime I see one of your videos, I'm left with so much awe and information
Well, even if this particular painting was not my cup of tea when i saw it while visiting London, i found his landscape choices and beauty astounding! And now i know why... And all that subtext! It really flew by me. Thank you very much Mr Payne for another excellent video. It is even more impressive when one is not in love with the painting, but you still manage to seriously engage us :D
What gorgeous piece, and what a talent for fabrics! Thank you for the video, as always a pleasure to watch.
Fortunate to have seen some of his most famous paintings at the Huntington Library & Museum in California but after watching your video I hope to return with this new appreciation. Thank you, James. This is my favorite TH-cam channel.
Very interesting. Thank you for the precious painting details shared with us. From Brazil.
This is my second time watching this video. Thank you for all of the depth you add to our lives.
You are so welcome
Man, this channel is so good for my brain and soul.
Amazing channel 🤩 always waiting for new episodes ❤️ please continue making this reviews
Thank you! Will do!
Thanks!
Thanks 🙏
What an intersting story! Thank you for all the great content you produce. Your channel is truly a gem.
It’s amazing that I at was at the museum a few months ago when I saw this painting and now I get to understand the artist more thank you ❤
I love a good art mystery! This one in particular is so fascinating and adds even more layers to an already multi-faceted painting. Thanks as always, James, for the fantastic video!
Thank you so much!
This is without doubt one of the best channels on TH-cam!! Thank you so much.
Your channel has made me go find specific paintings that I may mever have seen otherwise. The Arnolfini portrait, Monet's waterlillies in The Orangery. And now I'll go find this one the next time I'm in London. Thank you
"managed to combine his love of landscape and his desire for money"
for some reason that was very funny and i thought of monty python 😂
I mean look, a man’s gotta eat 😂
You can't eat money though!
i always loved his work. he captured skin tones perfectly.
Easily one of the best videos I've seen in a while.
Absolutely love all the videos you make of art, and the stories you tell about them!
Glad you like them!
One of my favourite paintings. After watching this video I appreciate it even more. Thankyou.
I recently visited the National Gallery and must have just walked by this painting without a second glance. Thanks to your video, I want to return and take another look. It also makes me want to look more closely at every work whenever I visit an art gallery. Your videos are constantly educational and entertaining. One of the best channels on TH-cam, without a doubt.
Thank you for making art history accessible to all ❤
I love the idea that he was commissioned and then decided to stick it to them. Then that they cottoned on and mothballed the whole thing, but that they didn't destroy it so that we can enjoy his flicked v's to this day! Great job James, thoroughly enjoyed this one as the enclosing of the commons is something I feel strongly about (see the Diggers and listen to "The World Turned Upside Down")
Once again 17 minutes flying by, giving us precious insight into a masterpiece. Thank you!!
In Mrs A hand is a quill. When subjects didn't keep up with their payments to the artists, the artist would take a snipe and paint an invoice in the subjects hand in order to humiliate them into paying. The artists always cease to complete their paintings if the revenue of payment ends. He abandoned completion because the monies owed were not settled.
Thanks for another articulate and informative video. Always impressive, always beaming with depth and quality of information.
Fascinating, I never knew the background connecting between The Andrews & Gainsborough. Explains a lot of what is in this picture.
Thanks for the comment!
Beautifully explained, thank you!
I really enjoy your presentations, James. I live in Chicago and have been to the Art Institute several times. It is so helpful to have an expert like you explain all the nuances and background story. Having been to the Salvador Dali museum in St. Petersburg I was blown away by all he had done. A guide helped us understand each painting. Since then I have been watching all of your features. It is really helping me to appreciate Great Art ! Thank you.
You are very welcome
I've searched many channels for more content like yours, but no one explains things like you do! I love your channel!
I'm glad you're finally advertising your Patreon at the beginning of the video! I'm sure many fans didn't even know you had one!
I feel uncomfortable promoting it but it really helps the channel grow - thanks 🙏
Wow! What a great introduction! Thank you, James!
I knew about this piece before watching, never noticed the donkeys or the gun joke. Great episode!
My favourite part of Gainsboroughs pictures are his trees, there is something indescribable about them which I love
Okay, lets take a journey in Time and history, great effort as always
Thanks for the video and for your work. Great topic.
This painting is an amazing caricature.
Once Mrs Andrews face will become a meme.
Thanks for watching
Thanks!
Thanks 🙏
I never was much of a fan of Gainsborough's work (even though I saw a lot of it at the National Gallery), but that is what I love about this channel. I now appreciate his work much more and will look at it in a different light. Thanks, James!
Loved this video. Great job sharing insights. Art should always be viewed in context. Thanks
Chef's kisses on this video. I love staring at this painting just thinking about its history.
Thanks 🙏
I used to watch this channel on tv with my ex well we both are an artists and now am watching the video alone I've missed those days
Another wonderful video
I'll consider it an earlier Birthday present!
thanks for all the work you do GAE! You are a gem of a channel
Happy birthday!
You really fostered my interest in art. Always a joy to see a new video of you popping up on my start page!
I'm so glad!
Brilliant evaluation! I couldn't understand it because I couldn't get the proper context which you so aptly provided. Thank you!
Gaining so much context and appreciation for artists and their art, within social, political, and historical arenas. Plus with all your relaxed views of the artworks I'm seeing so much more of the artists talents.
Your videos are art history of the most approachable and fun kind.
I love it when you cover fascinating art curiosities like this! You make the culture and history surrounding the painting just as exciting as Gainsborough's composition and brushstrokes.
It shocked me that landscape artists were so flexible with how specific landmarks are depicted compared to their real-life locations. I had no idea! I hope you have more videos of landscape paintings planned; I would love to know more about them!
Always a good day when there is new post! Thank you!
Any time!
I really love this painting. Was great to see it in such a deep dive 😊
Thank you so much 😀
Love this channel, I have a new appreciation of painters and their work thanks to your impeccable examination of their most famous pictures, thank you!
I’m traveling tomorrow to Paris with the only purpose of going the see The Raft of the Medusa after watching several times the wonderful work of this channel.
That makes me happy! Enjoy 😊
Thanks!
Thank you so much! 🙏
This is the only channel for which I turn on notifications. Thank you for the excellent content.
I love the detailed and knowledgeable insight into the painting, adding greatly to my enjoyment of it. Thank you.
This channel is SO underrated.
I always learn so much from this channel. Thank you for your videos
Wonderful analysis, as usual. Thanks so much for sharing!
That was fantastic. Always appreciate the historical/socio-economic context of the artist's era.
This essay was unexpectedly fascinating. Many thanks for the analysis
Glad you enjoyed it!
My head canon: The removed thing was their cat who would not sit still.
Great video as always! I had never heard of this painting before, its really quite something.
Absolutely adore this channel and the incredible research/editing you do. Thank you for making such quality viewing.
Your channel is absolutely amazing, I could watch and listen to your content all day! 💯
My father had Gainsborough book by Eaglemoss publications, the clouds are fascinating when I first saw his paintings.
Superb explanation as always.
I would like to see more sculptures on the channel,the episode on Michelangelo's David was fascinating.
Great suggestion! I’m actually in the planning stages now for a Bernini
Thank you, love your channel. The backstory and social context of the works is so interesting, how a "simple" portrait of a couple in front of their house can really be an artist's social statement of the time they live in.
Many thanks for another episode over an interesting page of art history that is informative, well researched, and above all, enjoyable as the others in this channel.
Thanks again!
Thanks
Thank you 🙏
Just letting you know your videos make my day better. Thank you!
I'm so glad!
Thank you for that channel, very informative and interesting. I saw that painting in the gallery and thought that she had a face like young Catherine de Bourgh from Price and Prejudice.
Again, spectacular research, editing, and writing to tell the story, not just about a painting, but about a time. Her look always put me off, but I have an idea why now.
Thanks!
Thank YOU 🙏
I’d love to see a video from you about Friedrich’s Winter Landscape as it’s my favorite painting. Or also the Hay Wain by Constable or something talking about Turner’s paintings or the Romantic painters. Love your show!
Great suggestions!
¡Gracias!
Thanks to you, I finally know what to look for when I look at a painting! Love your explanations! ❤
I'm so glad!
Seems Gainsborough had a great sense of humour and through this painting had the upper hand over this couple's snobbery...quite funny with the two donkeys...great vid! Thanks for your work, so enjoyable.
Glad you enjoyed it
Brilliant storyteller, as always! What an excellent way to learn the historical depth of this piece🙌
Love your films James- this is the first one where I thought I knew all about it. Wrong !