Sunday, June 20, 2021

"Pinkie and The Blue Boy"

"Pinkie" the 1794, painting by English master Thomas Lawrence of 11-year-old Sarah Goodin Barret Moulton (22 March 1783b. - 23 April 1795d.) When first presented in the 1795 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (ironically, the day after Sarah died) the work was proclaimed a masterpiece by the judges.
The captivating grace of young Sarah Goodin Barrett Moulton is as evident to today's views as it was more than 2 and a quarter centuries ago.

Since the 1920''s Pinkies constant companion has been the circa 1770, Thomas Gainsborough masterpiece "The Blue Boy." Thought to be Jonathan Buttle (1752b.–1805d.), but as is the case with many great works of art, the truth of who The Blue Boy really was will never be known. What is known is ever since the "Railroad Barron" Henry Huntington bought the painting, for the then record price of $728,800 (over $10,000,000 today), The Blue Boy and Pinkie have been as inseparable as the most beloved brother and sister.

Residing in the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino, California, Pinkie and The Blue Boy have and will continue to enthrall those who have the good fortune to visit them. 

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