Thomas Gainsborough: Great Art Explained

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PLEASE NOTE: The word corn in British English denoted all cereal grains, including wheat, oats and barley, such as in the Corn Laws.
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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I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Adriana Nemet, Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, Alyssa Phillips, Anja Zeutschel, Bria Nicole Art, David Asabreu, Christa Sawyer, Eric Mann, Erique K, Griffin Evans, Hugo Moita, Jemma Theivendran, Julio Cardenas, Karim Hopper, Kibibi Shaw, Louise Tait, Monte St Johns, New Curiosity, Paul Ark, Paul Waterman, Pavel Juszczyk, Sean Welgemoed, Stephen Beresford, Tanya Moore, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, Tyler Wittreich and Will Dew's-Power.
"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 [e-mail]
Spanish Subtitles by Alma Perdamo
CREDITS
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... 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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please "like" and leave a comment. It REALLY helps with promoting the channel - I appreciate it. Hope you enjoy. James

[@JJONNYREPP]

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...

[@SoleaGalilei]

@@JJONNYREPP What on earth are you talking about?

[@JJONNYREPP]

@@SoleaGalilei Comments on ‘Thomas Gainsborough: Great Art Explained’ 2111pm 27.9.23 obviously not great art.

[@maxhobbs5512]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wow, thank you!

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Exactly what i wanted to write, i adore this channel!

[@Minnevan]

what a thoughtful and well written complement, I could not agree more

[@saywink]

Totally agree

[@visionizer]

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!

[@lilybleue8888]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Love this comment!

[@paulwoodford1984]

Art is more associated with social class and wealth though

[@kenster8270]

I've been a "stealthy" follower for a while. So: Thanks! Please do not stop.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much! That is VERY generous and will help so much!

[@davidlewis8814]

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.

[@matanyaholmes3964]

12 years wow man! What's the secret haha. That's beautiful to hear. May you live together forever.

[@davidlewis8814]

@@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!

[@TheSceptileNinja]

I can't overstate how wonderful this channel is, seeing such high quality but digestible content on great art is incredible!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Wow, thank you!

[@keksimus__maximus]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iamtigerjames9978]

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 KZbinr I am truly excited to see popup in my subscription feed

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s so great!

[@juniorjames7076]

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)!!!

[@12thDecember]

@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. ♥

[@LondonMoonie]

Wow! Wasn't expecting Gainsborough, people really do sleep on him in the 21st century

[@GreatArtExplained]

He’s one of my favourites.

[@chloevg8192]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I hope your life gets a little easier soon. Take care - james

[@SarastistheSerpent]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I agree

[@queenvashtiful]

From what I've read, he disliked a lot of people in general. He was very scathing in his views of his clients.

[@jeff__w]

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.

[@angelabby2379]

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

[@LikeTheProphet]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank for the lovely comment! 🙏

[@jamesf456]

Mrs Andrews resembles Mr. Bean

[@SarastistheSerpent]

Lmao now I can’t unsee it

[@GreatArtExplained]

😂

[@lilacswithtea]

"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 😂

[@LikeTheProphet]

I mean look, a man’s gotta eat 😂

[@leeeorama]

You can't eat money though!

[@MariaVosa]

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.

[@annettewillis2797]

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.

[@jdinnen1]

One of the best channels on KZbin

[@DJL78]

This is hands down some of the best content on the hellscape known as KZbin. Let’s get smarter and better. 🍸❤

[@venice9438]

This is my second time watching this video. Thank you for all of the depth you add to our lives.

[@GreatArtExplained]

You are so welcome

[@vietxbubba]

I look forward to every upload!

[@HLGAM3R]

My head canon: The removed thing was their cat who would not sit still.

[@lucasmorato5993]

It's such a pleasure to learn about paintings with you, for me it feels like a child learning how to read!

[@gassmanet]

You just opened my eyes to Gainsborough. Thank you!

[@emtan2384]

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.

[@natchow1358]

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.

[@haidaralhaibi4416]

Okay, lets take a journey in Time and history, great effort as always

[@victor0451]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

That makes me happy! Enjoy 😊

[@susanandrews2294]

As an Andrews - thankfully no relation to those snobs in the painting - I am always tickled by art critics just lacerating them! Gainsborough was an absolute genius. Always wondered if x-rays or infrared scans were done of her lap just to confirm the presence of a cock pheasant? Also, that isn't corn in the bfield...unless you call wheat or barley, 'corn'. I know that in N America, our corn is called 'maize' in the UK and was often looked down on as pig feed. Maybe another run at this couple? Keep up the great work, love this channel!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Hi Susan - The word corn in British English denoted all cereal grains, including wheat, oats and barley, as in the Corn Laws.

[@susanandrews2294]

@@GreatArtExplained Ahh ok, that makes sense. Will look up Corn Laws now. Thanks for the clarification! :-)

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

Everytime I see one of your videos, I'm left with so much awe and information

[@archeewaters]

i always loved his work. he captured skin tones perfectly.

[@celestenova777]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@themetalhead92g]

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

[@fletcherlippert8051]

I knew about this piece before watching, never noticed the donkeys or the gun joke. Great episode!

[@lilpixie25]

What gorgeous piece, and what a talent for fabrics! Thank you for the video, as always a pleasure to watch.

[@AnnaBowBells]

Fascinating, I never knew the background connecting between The Andrews & Gainsborough. Explains a lot of what is in this picture.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the comment!

[@fromsouthbrasil]

Very interesting. Thank you for the precious painting details shared with us. From Brazil.

[@WildAntiN]

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

[@jelejacques]

Thanks for the video and for your work. Great topic. This painting is an amazing caricature. Once Mrs Andrews face will become a meme.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching

[@artistzowi7833]

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

[@som1980]

Beautifully explained, thank you!

[@JimmyNasium]

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 KZbin channel.

[@lazydictionary]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

I feel uncomfortable promoting it but it really helps the channel grow - thanks 🙏

[@sarahhart6814]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you so much!

[@kevinShau2023]

I'm starting to like Gainsborough a LOT more! Great painter and great social critic!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Couldn't agree more!

[@terradisiena]

Wonderful analysis, as usual. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@mohitrahaman]

My father had Gainsborough book by Eaglemoss publications, the clouds are fascinating when I first saw his paintings.

[@EvelynTucker-bl3zs]

Loved this video. Great job sharing insights. Art should always be viewed in context. Thanks

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

Chef's kisses on this video. I love staring at this painting just thinking about its history.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@Nozes..]

Superb explanation as always. I would like to see more sculptures on the channel,the episode on Michelangelo's David was fascinating.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great suggestion! I’m actually in the planning stages now for a Bernini

[@JaneCarr-tf7ro]

Thank you for the clear explanations.

[@diellensy27]

Man, this channel is so good for my brain and soul.

[@kevinmcqueenie7420]

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")

[@jackstux]

For years I skipped over these thinking they were for the uninformed, but they're great, the best I've seen. You probably don't look for suggestions here but Holbein!

[@mortea]

What an intersting story! Thank you for all the great content you produce. Your channel is truly a gem.

[@coppurrtings]

Drooping rifle and backdrop donkeys are now elements I will keenly explore in historical paintings.Quite amusing

[@magandanayeah6560]

Thank you sir James, for this great but also funny video to me. I love the interaction between the painter and the subject. 😂❤

[@jwillington6625]

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.

[@622Joe]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great suggestions!

[@amelialin6005]

Thank you for your hard work! I always look forward to new episodes.

[@GreatArtExplained]

🙏 thank you 🙏

[@alveolate]

this has gotta be the painting with the best backstory i've ever heard xD the idea of an indignant yet seminally talented artist being forced to do lucrative portraits which he personally disdained... for poncy upperclass snobs whom he also disdained... so he came up with his own methods to enjoy the work (heaps of scenery) and even sneakily added in-jokes to insult his patrons (which were likely opaque to the young and newly-rich couple)... this entire painting is just a vibe! if only modern rebellious middleclass antiestablishmentarian folks would do such ballsy stuff in their work to diss their bosses and the owner class. it'd be like hiding satirical insults in big oil marketing materials or some intrepid blackrock investment arm sneakily funding homeless shelters near their own luxury apartments. this painting could really become an actual inspiration for modern politics!

[@ewastudzinska563]

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.

[@josecorchete3732]

I really love this painting. Was great to see it in such a deep dive 😊

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jajajinks1569]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you like them!

[@thaisgregorio2734]

I always learn so much from this channel. Thank you for your videos

[@cct2825]

Your channel is absolutely amazing, I could watch and listen to your content all day! 💯

[@LiveWireBT]

Thanks!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you 🙏

[@thebrokelife6168]

I always look forward to my favorite art channels new videos 😊

[@Ben0001]

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 KZbin, without a doubt.

[@ramona4516]

Thank you for all your work😊

[@Yes_Im_Adarsh]

Love your videos,.. love from India

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you like them!

[@meredithbignell7333]

This is without doubt one of the best channels on KZbin!! Thank you so much.

[@michaelmallin1]

One of my favourite paintings. After watching this video I appreciate it even more. Thankyou.

[@abdullatifalsaleh2201]

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 ❤

[@patrickryan1428]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

You are very welcome

[@yulib2883]

Once again 17 minutes flying by, giving us precious insight into a masterpiece. Thank you!!

[@antemeridiemwolf]

Wow! What a great introduction! Thank you, James!

[@v.ra.]

This essay was unexpectedly fascinating. Many thanks for the analysis

[@GreatArtExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@victoriatuh2703]

Thank you for making art history accessible to all ❤

[@silvervortex2441]

Amazing video as always 😊

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you so much 😀

[@50l12]

My favourite part of Gainsboroughs pictures are his trees, there is something indescribable about them which I love

[@titojwonnie]

Just letting you know your videos make my day better. Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

I'm so glad!

[@christiabacon8001]

Great channel,🩵 art history!

[@feildpres]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

Happy birthday!

[@maestroh2986]

I've searched many channels for more content like yours, but no one explains things like you do! I love your channel!

[@hauntedmilk8540]

Always a good day when there is new post! Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Any time!

[@belnick]

Amazing channel 🤩 always waiting for new episodes ❤️ please continue making this reviews

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thank you! Will do!

[@glaringeagle742]

Thanks for another articulate and informative video. Always impressive, always beaming with depth and quality of information.

[@greyhound7148]

You really fostered my interest in art. Always a joy to see a new video of you popping up on my start page!

[@GreatArtExplained]

I'm so glad!

[@MarkLiversedge]

Love your films James- this is the first one where I thought I knew all about it. Wrong !

[@GenRN]

Love the landscapes. Wonder what was in her lap? Maybe it was a skunk and the disdain would make more sense.

[@dharmakaurkhalsa3923]

Another fantastic educational video! Thanks ❤

[@twntwn11]

Thanks to you, I finally know what to look for when I look at a painting! Love your explanations! ❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

I'm so glad!

[@bodawei425]

Simply brilliant! 💎

[@reilly17]

Sending me back to the National Gallery... Again!

[@sparklytoes28]

Faithfully watches all your videos and once again I’m blown away by your insight and putting the art in context of a contemporary viewer. You draw me into the art and I’m along for an experience to understand the art better. Brilliant!

[@DanielaMaria1998]

Great video as always! I had never heard of this painting before, its really quite something.

[@whyamilikethis1998]

It's officially Friday, and what a great one it is 🤩

[@GreatArtExplained]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@whyamilikethis1998]

@@GreatArtExplained I absolutely did, thank you!

[@sage9453]

This channel is 🔥. Thank you so much.

[@orlasheehan9541]

Superb as always.