Fake Or Fortune: Decoding the Enigmatic Family Portrait | Perspective

The team investigate an 18th century family portrait of a young man at the prime of his life, which may be the work of giant of Regency portraiture Sir Thomas Lawrence. However, this painting has been passed down the generations of the Cecil family as the work of pioneering female artist, Maria Cosway.
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#Painting #Art #History

[@chrisdeoni1697]

Eagle eye Philip MOULD looks at a portrait far across a crowded room and says: "It's a TOM LAWRENCE" That's all the evidence I need. This is a fabulous episode. BRAVO 👏!!!

[@persebra]

Yeah, great job Philip!!!

[@theafricanjumbee4057]

"It's like being present at a baptism, and the name is Lawrence." I love that line.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

How odd that his art is not rare, and the woman's art is rare, and yet his art is worth so much, and her art is not. Like saying Warhol is valuable but Leonardo Da Vinci isn't valuable, because it is rare.

[@Satu-zs7gm]

@@CharlotteFairchild yeah a painting by Warhol cost way more than painting by a college graduate, even if the painting by that college graduate was rare.... what's your take away? obviously it's difference in technique, quality, significant, art, etc. yeah rolls royce are still more expensive than rare honda..

[@CharlotteFairchild]

@@Satu-zs7gm My takeaway is the value of a woman who broke the glass ceiling. There was no comparison of technique with X-ray comparison. I hope she had students and that she taught. I don’t think a Honda is fine art. Warhol is not fine art. Commercial yes. I am an editor of one art book by Florence Seymour who paired and taught fine art until she was 100. She died at 102 with over 50 years as an artist and musician.

[@Satu-zs7gm]

@@CharlotteFairchild the value of "a woman who broke the glass ceiling" is equivalent to pile of garbage.... you should stop! you clearly have no eyes for fine art, all you care about is "omg it's painted by a human with vagna, clap everyone she can draw a circle clap now! don't be misogynistic, she break ceilings and set the standard for other talentless women"

[@Satu-zs7gm]

@@CharlotteFairchild obviously this come from a woman... how insecure and pathetic can you women be? talent is talent, good art is good art... anyone with eyes can see that... and you downgrade that entire beauty to wether or not it was painted by different genitals, my god women today are so slow

[@borge2014]

Gorgeous portrait. This show never disappoints.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I am disappointed that a woman artist was not valued in her time nor in our time. Was her art less than inspired, this woman who showed 30 times in the Royal Academy? Her art may be worth 8,000 pounds, but since it is rare, these evaluators discount her art as less than Lawrence, who was prolific, and today some would say over done since his art is around every corner. I am impressed that he did such meticulous art for a teacher and not only a patron. Where is the art that Cosway did for the family as they were such good friends?

[@dorotapogubila4427]

I find that there is resemblance between gentleman in the portrait and descendants. 2 million would put smile on my face too. Fascinating.

[@lorilynnchristiansen2071]

The young man depicted is not only painted skillfully but his physical beauty certainly must add value to this portraiture.

[@justkiddin84]

And that yellow waistcoat! Loved it right off with his blue eyes!

[@perfectallycromulent]

i suppose if you're into really feminine looking guys, he's attractive. but if you like men with a strong jaw, sharp cheek bones, and a stern brow ridge, he's a complete no.

[@josephruby2981]

Keep in mind that he sat for this portrait when he was 15 or 16 years old. The elaborate hair and clothing lead us to imagine that he's in his early twenties, although in fact his features haven't yet taken their fully mature shape.

[@Satu-zs7gm]

exactly, Lawrence painted a brother and sister, Lord Clanwilliam and his sister Lady Selina Meade, both of them were attractive but Selina painting became more famous, his brother's painting sold for 600k, Lady Selina sold for over 2 million pound!!!! to be fair Lady Selina's painting was way more famous and significant in her time too even Lawrence who was apparently friends with Clanwilliam begged him to lend him that painting and have it engraved, which he was not thrilled thinking of his sister appearing in window of print shop, basically even Lawrence were fond of this work in particular

[@monkeygraborange]

Having spent the past 42 years working in the art world, I have said on countless occasions that a world of bother could easily be avoided if only artists bothered to sign their goddamned work!

[@rosehawke2577]

I was an Art Studio major at college (the only major that didn't require any math,) way back in the early 80's and we were taught *not* to sign. I don't remember exactly why. I didn't sign my pieces for class, but I always signed my pieces otherwise.

[@alanlawrence2954]

I worked for a Bond Street gallery in my youth. A senior buyer said to me... If a painting has not got a signature, it might be a fake... If it has a signature, it's definitely a fake.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

Florence Seymour signed with an exotic name or a man’s name to command more money.

[@sharongaristo9759]

Please stop the blasphemy, how would you like someone saying that about your father.

[@caittails]

@@sharongaristo9759 Lol go touch grass.

[@MrQbenDanny]

The Peniston portrait is magical. It has a Diamondtine crystal clear alive alertness, the eyes, and the standout lips in particular. Out of curiosity, I went to the Lawrence gallery and found that for Lawrence, lips were a very serious feature in his paintings. It's a masterpiece.

[@acmebrainsurgery]

I knew and loved someone who looked very much like Peniston and so found this episode especially enjoyable.💗

[@pjlewisful]

agreed

[@CharlotteFairchild]

The sketch under the painting was not as beautiful. It makes me wonder if the young man was less appealing than his portrait?

[@Roheryn100]

@@CharlotteFairchild If you watch Portrait Artist of the Year, you will see that the underlying work is not always flattering to the sitter. Nor does it need to be.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

@@Roheryn100 the x-ray of the portrait was not flattering in the work under the paint, right?

[@FavoriteThemeSong]

What an amazing journey. Bravo to Philip Mould and congratulations to the family.

[@josephpetrino1741]

Thanks for spoiling it.

[@FavoriteThemeSong]

@@josephpetrino1741 if you don’t want to know, you’re not supposed to read the comments first lol.

[@lovingmayberry307]

I have to say I agreed with Phillip from the start. The hair and scarf were so much like Lawrence, and i found Cosway's portraits to be much less mature. Great episode!

[@hdub8093]

Not for nothing though, but the two painters in this episode, while kinda similar in styles, were pretty distinct in many ways..

[@Dr10Jeeps]

What a gripping show! Fake or Fortune always delivers an artistic thriller.

[@glorialange6446]

I immediately thought that this was a Lawrence and it was reinforced almost as soon as I saw the Duchess of Devonshire Goddess portrait by Cosway, and the Queen by Lawrence. Even so, every clue just made me more stubborn, too. The feeling of the painting of PL absolutely screamed at me. I really enjoyed this video and was unsurprised at the result. That is due to these shows and to my personal study of paintings and artists but by all means I am no expert and was so happy it was judged to be Lawrence. Its a wonderful portrait.

[@katmandudawn8417]

The Caroline Lamb mentioned in connection with the painting was the erratic and infamous one who pursued Lord Byron. Her husband, Peniston’s brother , seemed to have put up with a lot but been very good to her despite all her antics.

[@justkiddin84]

Ooo! Thanks for that! Things always get spicy when Byron enters the room!😂

[@CharlotteFairchild]

@@justkiddin84 I am sure her husband, Peniston's brother, never pursued anyone? Oh, the Dangerous Liaisons.

[@saltinawenchito898]

I love reading about the naughty elites from the past! I care nothing for the Kardashians but I am obsessed with researching the Mitford sisters. Lord Byron and his group of buddies are eternally fascinating.

[@katmandudawn8417]

@@saltinawenchito898 Caro Lamb was mockingly nicknamed “Silence” by the Ton. Apparently, she was very voluble and prattled incessantly. She ruined herself with her pursuit of Byron but her husband stood by her. I think she may have been bi polar or something.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

@@saltinawenchito898 Do you read his poetry as well? Lord Byron's poetry?

[@angelinahunter182]

Wow! What a talent Sir Thomas Lawrence was -- there's so much delicacy to this portrait it's almost as true to life as a modern day high quality photo and his treatment of fabric -- just dazzling!

[@time4clocks]

What a delightful show. My first time seeing this. Not really an art fan per se but found the whole episode riveting and insightful. Thank you! 🌷🌷

[@Schlei602]

It's a Lawrence, definitely....the style! I write this long before the video has finished.

[@mariemorgan7759]

I love this art program! I watched Philip's videos on KZbin during the pandemic. I would just be happy with that 18th century gentleman's portrait, no matter who painted it. It is beautiful!💕🇬🇧

[@judyjudy51]

I loved his lockdown videos ( - and his house and garden :)

[@katharper655]

How Lovely to have the Delightful Cedric bless us with his Handsome Self! Thank you, Philip!

[@jct35j]

There was absolutely no comparison of the brilliance of Lawrence's paintings compared to the drab mythological Cosway's we saw in this marvellous Episode. When we first saw the Duchess Georgianna it was plainly obvious that Cosway was NOT the artist of the Lamb portrait. A cuckoo's egg laid by the "short sighted" amateur Mary Boyle was the culprit. Thanks to the keen eye of Phillip Mould the wastrel scion Peniston Lamb was proven to have had a much more refined taste in choosing to be painted by Thomas Lawrence rather than Maria Cosway.

[@kathleens.laroche754]

@jct35j I completely agree. OK, Cosway could draw and paint, but in terms of depth, that's about as far as I would take it.

[@NataliaPedemonte]

Cosway was more of an illustrator than portrait artist, in my opinion. She had artistic skills for sure but was more interested in telling a story, telling a narrative; Lawrence, on the other hand, was more about capturing the essence of a person.

[@marvellousmarvin]

I’m so enjoying the history of these paintings. I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer with regards to the past 😊

[@gyrfalcon7332]

What an absolutely fabulous series Perspective had going here. Learning a great deal and enjoying each and every episode whether the paintings are pearls or pebbles. Bravo!

[@dmarcouxbeatty374]

My parents were Diplomatic during the Cold War Era. In 1965, we lived in New Delhi. My father's houseman was a Nepalese Gurkha. His name was Charlie, and the whole family adored him! He was very small, reed thin, and looked old enough to have babysat God. He had a wonderful, wise face. My parents commissioned an artist to do an oil portrait of him. My brother and I watched it being done. This portrait has had an honourable place in my parents' home right up to their passing. All of us said good morning, goodnight. As we walked out the door. We said. We're off Charlie. Watch the house. Coming in. Hey Charlie, we're home. I have Charlie's portrait now. My parents' urn sits on a table under it. My parents passed 2 weeks about. I was with them both. I cleared the house. I hand carried their urn to my home. It was not until I was looking at Charlie in my home that their deaths really hit me. As I said, my brother and I watched the artist. I was 5/6, my brother is 5 years older. We didn't care who the guy was. He used a trawl, not a brush. It was cool! We would like to know now. We would like to know if it needs to be cleaned. It will never ever be sold! To us it is priceless. I live in Europe. I have no idea who to ask. Not to mention trust! Can anyone give me any idea's? I would appreciate it. Thank you.

[@kyleanuar9090]

Obvious difference in stylistics between the two artists.

[@Roheryn100]

Absolutely. Cosway was competent but conventional.Lawrence was a firecracker from the start.

[@samanthasmith61]

@@Roheryn100 Cosway was boring, Lawrence was genius

[@bessofhardwick9311]

A really interesting documentary and a beautiful portrait. Thanks for uploading :)

[@staceyduncanbts486]

What an exciting mystery and an exciting conclusion. The clues were very compelling.

[@designated-vm3jh]

Excellent series. Like a mini Agatha Christie novel. No crime, but unveiling layer upon layer until we can rest on a solid conclusion emereging due to broad and in-depth investigations. Philip has a great expertice and a good hunch looking for socalled sleepers and more. However, there are also good reasons to underline the importance given by Fiona in these (and other) series. Surprised so see that her part in this is rarely mentioned in comments below. Both of them are my heroes here. As a team they are dinamite! Keep up your good work - BOTH of you! And to all: Don't forget Fiona's part in it. Go girl!!!🙂

[@brahmburgers]

Another great chapter. Fully entertaining and educational. It also had me thinking how brief each life is, even if lived into one's eighties (I just turned 71). A reminder to live each day to its fullest.

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

Why not read your Bible and find out how to make peace with Almighty God , your creator ? I’m turning 69 soon and believe me , although life is great now , I can’t wait until the Lord calls me home to be with Him , and His family in heaven , forever .

[@susanmercurio1060]

I'm 77 and I'm thinking about this more.

[@susanmercurio1060]

​@@malcolmscrivener8750I don't share your religion, but I agree with your ideas. When Patrick Swayze(?) was dying of pancreatic cancer, his fans kept telling him to "fight on." I thought that they should have encouraged him to accept his death and make peace with his maker.

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

@@susanmercurio1060 I’m with you on that , for sure Susan . And not only Patrick , but everyone !

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

@@susanmercurio1060 The Boy Scouts motto “ Be Prepared “ is a good one to embrace for life , and also for ones own death . The Bible is the oldest book in the world , and explains where we came from , why we are here , and what happens to us after we die . There is wisdom for us in it , and it shows us the way to salvation and eternal happiness with the Lord God Almighty , our Creator . Susan , if you read your Bible , be sure to simply ask the Lord to bless you and guide you into the truth and knowledge of Himself . You can speak to Him aloud or quietly in your heart , and He promises He will never turn away anyone who seeks Him sincerely .

[@darlene2662]

Bravo! Guys you did a great job uncovering the true origins of this painting! Philip you really do have a keen eye for portrait details! Both of you are excellent sleuths! This show never disappoints. 👏🏼

[@RS-bn9rx]

Splendid work.. I am enthralled by the investigation

[@jackieballard8047]

This was a wonderful journey. It left me wondering if perhaps the lineage of the two lookalike painting were interchanged and the other one was indeed the coswell.

[@KGTiberius]

Genealogy, validation, certification… love genuine research.

[@mtngrl5859]

Another wonderful video, very interesting in how the artists was identified.

[@judyjudy51]

Love the red velvet coat from the late 18th century. And the portrait.

[@pjlewisful]

Try to imagine how delightful it is for this artist stuck here in Alabama, US to get to escape for an hour to London in the company of Philip & Feona for an adventure.

[@silverymoon5516]

Listening to you describe the artwork is a verbal masterpiece for my ears. I have an even greater appreciation for the piece after hearing your description of it. Thank-you

[@kathleens.laroche754]

I knew it!! The style was much more sophisticated than the Cosway "goddess." Great show!

[@Brutally-Honest]

One of the best of the series, I truly enjoyed the ride to find the truth. Lovely, truly lovely. THANK YOU

[@Jigger2361]

...great to see Cedric again!

[@diahannkanich1747]

I love all the shows, but especially this one. He was and is beautiful....

[@v.g.r.l.4072]

Wonderful research and entertainment! Thank you.

[@grokeffer6226]

Fascinating stuff. Good job. 🎨🖌

[@br.claudelane]

This has got to be my favorite painting, and favorite program of all ive seen so far.

[@terrybuckwalter2340]

What a joy to watch this beautiful presentation of art history!

[@teribelleau137]

Gorgeous painting. Very exciting episode. What a wonderful revelation!

[@CallieMasters5000]

This is one of the few cases where the family aren't pressing for the more valuable attribution, but the hosts are.

[@michaelmayo8382]

As a graduate of Mr. Jefferson's University my attention was captured as soon as Maria Cosway's name was mentioned.

[@grandidea2085]

Cosway has a cartoonish bent to her faces. The portrait doesn't. I would have thought it was a Lawrence too!

[@dgcaz1]

The clouds did it for me. Lawrence always did sultry simmering skies. They always look as if a torrent could burst forth at any moment.

[@marvellousmarvin]

I love watching this type of content. 👍

[@marlenekingdon482]

Such a marvellous painting. 😊

[@hannawagenknecht6378]

Wonderful documentary,thank you!

[@glennpenrose5646]

Fantastic episode. Thank you.

[@Lambert7785]

just a marvelous story of an excellent investigation :)

[@islandkatgranbyridgestudio]

Excellent episode Going to do a deep dive on Lawrence, the ability to just catch that moment in the painting is jaw dropping

[@robinbohn7478]

my favorite episode yet, good job

[@alexrichardson9125]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@deborahdavis6801]

Congrats to Phillip again for his keen eye and extensive knowledge!!!

[@kristin5700]

Loved this episode!

[@debl9957]

I 've just found this show on YT and really enjoy watching!!

[@chrisrea7347]

Thank you, I get. enormous pleasure from your episodes!! Wonderful detective work to find that it was by Lawerence.

[@stephaniemontor1567]

A great episode to learn about 2 wonderful artists!

[@cyndeewenzel6439]

Wow! Great show I've never seen it before! I personally love the painting and Pennistone! He died so young. It's nice to think that a part of him still remains in this beautiful portrait.

[@maryjordan7649]

Portrait art of the last centuries tell us so much. This was very informative...I didn't know the amount of portraits done by Sir Thomas was so large. I always thought Moriah Cosway painted miniatures. It's not surprising this young man died young. Tb was a very communicable disease in the 19th and 20th centuries. My own great aunt spent time in a tb sanatorium. Good film on painting and related history.

[@dollimelaine]

riveting...loved this episode.

[@normanmerrill1241]

Completely taken by your presentation and the story…another smashing show…well done…stay safe..

[@craigbarron3706]

To believe that it was by anyone other than Lawrence is farcical!!.....I watched this episode, and 5 minutes in, I could see the obvious difference in technical skill between this painting and Cosway's featured examples......Totally different renditions of skill.....I watched the episode to the end, but I knew what the outcome would be!!

[@Print229]

This was excellent!! Thank you.

[@deansparks6753]

I enjoy this show very much. Thank you!

[@user-ru3ql6ji4p]

That is a beautiful painting.

[@mikejohnson3247]

Very much Appreciate the Art Work an amazing pieces in this show an the divulging of the information and the details are extremely intriguing Thanks for sharing an Congratulation to Philip Mould and the Family of course

[@sinclairlanier4081]

Such a beautiful work of art! It glows!

[@jmitterii2]

I'm confused they thought he was "ugly" in the painting... I watched this video due to just seeing the thumbnail screen shot of the painting and found both the manner of the painting with the hair, but his face and I like the "Mozart" era lots of history going on then... all nice looking; had to see what and how it was. No matter who painted it, it's a great painting. And glad they'll keep it in the family; or at least try to do so. Spoilers below: And I agree at the end; it looks like by Lawrence. Was actually hoping it was by Cosway (I think it would be special to be painted by a woman and of that time and more rare too). But it doesn't look so. Either way, it's amazing painting... and either way worth LOTS of money LOL! But better than that... it's just stands out. Even if it was painted by the local shoe shine boy. I can't believe the family didn't notice it long ago... it sort of sticks out there; and with all that history. And on the female side... that's amazing. It is likely they all share not just some nucleus chromosomes DNA... but also (only the female (mother) line passes down) they may all share in each of them the mitochondrial dna.

[@janepilson3636]

Maria Cosway is more famous In Virginia than Thomas Lawrence because of her friendship with another Thomas, the American ambassador to France.

[@muffin6369]

I think this picture of Penniston looks like Lawrence's painting of The 6th Earl of Carlisle who married Little G Cavendish. I'm an American who adores British history. THE HISTORY!!!!! You cannot make it up.

[@angelabby2379]

yes and Lady Caroline Lamb, wife of Lord Melbourne ( Penniston younger brother) was 1st cousin of Little G Cavendish and daughter Lady Henrietta Spencer, sister of Lady Georgiana Spencer. Lady Emily called Caroline "little Devil"

[@englishrose4388]

This is my new favorite show. In loved this episode particularly.

[@costrow3100]

It appears Cosway was influenced by Vigee LeBrun. Cosway’s self portrait looks quite a bit like LeBrun’s. I don’t know if the women ever met but they had to see each others art. Cosway was born 5 years after LeBrun. They were contemporaries albeit from different countries. They both used hats as props for female sitters including LeBrun’s paintings of Marie Antoinette. Perhaps the value of Cosway’s paintings should be reassessed.

[@juliadagnall5816]

I didn’t know the artists had a connection, but I thought of LeBrun while watching this because I saw a documentary on her a little while ago and they mentioned that most of her surviving works are in very good condition because she was very particular about the pigments she chose and how she prepared her paints. I have a real respect for artists who take the trouble to understand their medium and how to make the best of it.

[@lwaliz]

Great episode!

[@freerangegirl4457]

I loved the painting from the moment i saw it. All the fine skill of the greats.

[@sarahhudleston832]

Such a great episode!

[@guiart4728]

Good on Phillip! As an artist and not a historian I could not pick out the painting as a Lawrence but I knew at the beginning as soon as I saw the two examples that it wasn’t a Cosway.

[@ozquinn5348]

I've been watching for 2 weeks quite enjoyable wish you great success from Fresno California ❤❤❤ Oz.

[@StarSwarm.]

48:37 This is some Sixth Sense level goose bumps right here! Wow! What a fantastic episode!

[@jamesbrien1944]

Fascinating detective work!

[@sylviekoenig9960]

Fascinating story of a magnificent portrait

[@MCBRUCE76]

Philip Mould has an eye to immediately spot out unique qualities and characteristics in any art, which normal people can't do.

[@gregb6469]

That this turns out to not be a Cosway does not detract in any way from her importance and greatness as an artist.

[@aksez2u]

Yes! So sad that many of her paintings haven't been located. I would have loved to see more of them during this investigation.

[@gregb6469]

@@aksez2u -- No doubt many are hanging on walls or stored in attics of houses of people who have no idea who she was or how valuable they are.

[@redlightworms4300]

Um, you kind of gave away the ending….

[@gregb6469]

@@redlightworms4300 -- So watch the show before reading the comments.

[@jasontemlett]

This comment was visible from the start

[@suaimhneas123]

FABULOUS - thank you for posting this - just wonderful - it's actually moved me to tears.

[@crabbyresister9194]

Awesome outcome fantastic.journey.

[@jerrybutler4551]

Thanks!

[@P.Galore]

Phenomenal.

[@kathleensue1]

The depth of the eyes is what holds me. You can see the liquid in them. It’s amazing!

[@bethbartlett5692]

I suspect Peter underestimated the value of this portrait, for the renowned Lawrence Art Experts, without hesitation, compared it to the Portrait of Queen Charlotte in the National Gallery, and in the same era, 1790. I would expect the portrait, in a friendly market, would actually fetch 2 Million Pounds. What's more overtly amazing in this video, is the Human Mind, specifically our Lower Mind aka Ego Mind, which is the keeper of our learned idea, thus the "Social Mentality", and how observably evident the right points make sway to our *perspective ". ... but then, that's my more experienced "gig". Beth Bartlett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian

[@Satu-zs7gm]

oh yes! this painting is so beautiful too it def can fetch more than 500k. Lawrence's more stunning painting always fetch more. he did mentioned that Lady Selina meade painting fetch 2 million, her brother's painting while beautiful didn't have the same color and beauty sold for 600k

[@christianfrommuslim]

SPOILER: Lawrence already has many masterpieces. I've long been a Cosway fan and am disappointed to see her deprived of such a masterpiece. The technical analysis was not totally scientific in that there was no comparison with Cosway Infrared or x-ray as a "control." That is like saying a drug works when you only test it on a single patient without comparing it to another drug and /or person. The most convincing evidence was the inventory request by Penniston's sister.

[@vampoftrance]

I'm a model and have seen brush strokes as the painting is painted. It's almost like a signature, two artists can be similar such as Renoir and Monet even be roommates or in the same class, try to emulate each other. But there's no mention of her, and she was most likely in Italy checking out the masters.

[@angelabby2379]

and the most convincing evidence by Conway is none except hearsay of an old uneducated woman... let's not forget the other painting also by Lawrence, which looked almost identical to this one

[@Satu-zs7gm]

you are not Cosway fan, if you try to claim the very unique stylistic painting by Lawrence (work of others) as Cosway... when it looked nothing a like!! anyone with pair of good eyes can see that it looked nothing like any of Cosway's paintings and it looked almost identical to Queen Charlotte's painting!! not to mention the expert on Thomas Lawrence had approved it!! all the evidences have pointed to Thomas Lawrence! how pathetic can Cosway fan be? it's like you are not confident with Cosway Talent, you need to claim other's better superior work as her's to be recognized. "The most convincing evidence was the inventory request by Penniston's sister" convincing to who? a youtube commentor such as yourself, or the scientific committee which studied Lawrence painting... to identify fakes or not... dense asf Lawrence has many masterpieces because he is a genius! learn the difference

[@christianfrommuslim]

@@Satu-zs7gm Nothing to get angry about.

[@Satu-zs7gm]

@@christianfrommuslim you are trying to steal other people's work so you can acclaim the artist based on other's talent and paintjng, this there's every reason to get angry

[@SuperMan-xy8ui]

Very interesting!

[@Joedebengaluru]

The best who done it so far.

[@paulabibb1116]

I have never seen this portrait. She is a somewhat distant relative. Lovely...

[@christinedlgRGV]

At the very first look at a Cosway vs Lawrence... it was so obvious that Cosway was not the painter of the Lamb portrait. It was so incredibly obvious that the Cosway's style is not anywhere near Lawrence' ...

[@alanlawrence2954]

The portrait that Philip thinks is a Lawrence, is a Lawrence. The Cosways I saw were vastly inferior in every way. I'm amazed that anyone with eyes in their head cannot see what Philip and I see at a glance... But then, both Philip and I have been staring at paintings for donkey's years. And the people in this program haven't.

[@couchphotography8861]

Just loved all the twists and turns in this, brilliant sleuthing! But the two pictures featured at the end of Pen? To which one was Emily referring in her handwritten book, the one with the red coat, or the subject of this investigation? Presumably both were by Laurence...

[@angelabby2379]

very likely this one lol, because the other painting looked far more depressing. and the other clue was this was the painting given to the tutor and the tutor gave back this painting on his death to the family, hence once again hung in the house.

[@angelabby2379]

and both record was kept in Melbourne hall, the record that the teacher gave it back and probably hung back at Melbourne hall and then Emily requested the same painting from Melbourne hall to be transferred to brocket hall. we knew the painting at Melbourne Hall was the younger painting that was bequeathed back because it was painted when he just finished Eton

[@stevenseltzer3589]

That was cool.

[@julieisthatart]

I wish more had been said about the older version of his face that showed in the forensic photos. It made me wonder if perhaps the younger prettier face was a paint over so that both artists actually were involved?

[@justkiddin84]

No, it was just Lawrence evolving the paintings-if you look at Queen Charlotte (a beauty, she was) there is some transitioning also. Perhaps she saw that first (and more truthful) version and that’s why she wouldn’t sit for him again. He prettied them up a bit, romanticized them. But he had to start with reality for it to favor them. Even though he was young man, drinking and smoking too much, maybe already having the TB, would have made him look a bit puffy and hungover.

[@samanthasmith61]

@@justkiddin84 what? Queen Charlotte was famous for being homely and Lawrence painting depict her as she was, she was not a fan! she probably want a more beautify painting of herself more than usual I might add

[@ISIO-George]

@@justkiddin84 It seems much more than evolving. If it was painted in early 1790s, when Penniston was an adult (or recently deceased?), it is as though he painted the subject as he knew him as an adult and then complete changed his mind and completely reworked the picture to a younger age. (To me, examples of evolving are changing a pose slightly, or making the dog at the feet of Blue Boy's disappear, not completely changing the age of the subject. JMO)