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| Castle of the Maidens, Edwin Austin Abbey (second part of 15 murals done from 1895-1901) |
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| Miss Ellen Terry as Lady MacBeth, John Singer Sargent 1889. |
Ellen Terry's beautiful green gown has made the rounds of many a blog and media site and she always seemed so familiar to me, even thought I knew little about this painting. Until seeing the restoration notes about the beetle-wing encrusted gown, I'd imagined it was pure artist's fantasy. I'm curious if she is also modeled for Edwin Austin Abbey's Castle of the Maidens, the 9th mural in his Quest for the Holy Grail series in the Boston Public Library. Compare John Singer Sargent's painting to the regal, central figure in Abbey's mural - they look very similar, don't they? A resemblance beyond enthralling costume and long, luxurious hair?
I've read that Edwin Austin Abbey did a number of Shakespeare-themed drawings and paintings in the late 1880s-1909. One of which was for Hamlet. He was also a friend of Sargent; they shared a studio and likely the same social circles. I've found nothing that suggests Ellen Terry is the "mural model" either online or the few books I have about the artist. I suppose it is possible that she didn't technically model for him, but he was inspired by her. Does anyone know?
I did this post about his murals over a year ago.
More about him can be found here.
He knew her well:
ReplyDelete"Abbey was equally instrumental in bringing to America many great foreign companies and performers, and for several seasons he ran the Metropolitan Opera. In 1893 he built Abbey's Theatre on Broadway, bringing over Henry Irving and Ellen Terry to open the house."
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/edwin-austin-abbey#ixzz1jszrpWqX
Excellent and thank you for pointing the way!! So it is very possible that is her.
DeleteBeautiful... and fascinating!
ReplyDeleteValerianna - makes me wonder if any of the gowns worn in the mural painting still exist!!! I'd love to dig in that closet.
ReplyDeleteEllen Terry was a great actress of her day, I can well imagine that an artist might use her as a model.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read, her personal life was very theatrical too:)
DeleteI love both paintings. -- just now noticed that in the "Castle of the Maidens" painting, the lady in the middle of the right side, the one with the pastel aqua veil has a knot in her train! Cracked me up when I realized she'd taken up the slack in her long "skirt-tail" by tying a knot it! (Having a long skirt with yards of fabric dragging the ground was a way of showing that you were so wealthy you didn't care that part of your skirt was getting ruined by being dragged around through the rushes, dirt, and trash on the castle floors, but it must have been a pain in the wazoo to have to deal with. I guess if you were that rich, you'd be able to afford a special lady in waiting to mind it for you -- lift it up and carry it -- especially going up stairs and in crowds where people could step on it, keep you from getting wound up in it, etc.)
ReplyDeleteIndeed! That knot would also serve to weigh down gossamer fabrics and prevent them from catching on everything. Having been to many a faire in long gowns, I can appreciate her ingenuity.
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ReplyDeleteIt was having first seen the painting that drew me to discover more about Helen & the dress. I was so amazed to learn about the beetle wings! I agree both figures do look very similar! I do so hope you do the course by the way, I loved it so very much! and yay its your "magic" year this year too! !
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine sitting in that dress was even possible! Like you say, the dress images certainly prompt one's search for her and she is most fascinating.
DeleteAnd I'm in good company with the BIG birthday:)
Yay, i see there are quite a few of us too! Im thinking i need to come up with a "special" blog party for us all! x
ReplyDeleteYes, the "Half Centurians" will have their day!!!
DeleteI really want to print and frame that mural for my new place. It looks so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteEric - I've had the print since 2004 I believe, but I'll research where I acquired it and pass along to you! Your place will be fantastic!
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