Friday, May 23, 2008

Fabulous Friday: Portrait Safari

I went on one of my hunts for new portraits this week and hit the jackpot, so instead of just one painting I thought I'd give you a sampling of my finds.

Countess Ada Lovelace, the "first computer programmer". I had no clue that she was Lord Byron's daughter.

The lady in the photograph below was listed as the Duchess of Manchester. I couldn't find out any biographical information but I thought including her was appropriate given Manchester United's win this week.

I found a new portrait of one of my all-time favorites,Princess Zinaida Yusupova

And then there was this gorgeous photograph of Consuelo Vanderbilt.

Wishing you all a happy and relaxing weekend and a pleasant Memorial Day.

9 comments:

Liz Harrell said...

Now WHY couldnt I have had a cool name like Ada Lovelace? Huh? I'm lovin Consuelo too. Maybe Mabel needs a middle name. :)

Kathi said...

Mrs. Fox, I love your style. These are beautiful portraits. Oh it's too late for me to have a gorgeous portrait made, and just when I can finally afford one. It's all so sad; this is the year of the wrinkle. The artist could airbrush I suppose.

Have a safe and fun weekend. Kathi

Mrs. Fox said...

Kathi,

It's never too late! :) And what with the miracle of Photoshop we can all look like living perfection. Although personally, I find equal beauty in wrinkles and gray. There is something to be said for aging gracefully and the beauty of a life well-lived and well-loved.

Jennie said...

Hope you have had a lovely weekend!

Anonymous said...

I saw a biography on tv some time ago about the Vanderbilts, including Consuela. I seem to recall it was very sad and frustrating. What a mother she had, yikes. Those were some messed up families. I followed the link - I love the portrait on the other page, too!

Mrs. Fox said...

Jennifer,

In many cases wealth did not bring happiness. Definitely a lesson that I take away from their stories.

Renae said...

I thought Mother of this Lot was the Duchess of Manchester . . . ;-)

Mrs. Fox said...

Renae,

Ooo! That's good! I wish I had thought of that.

New Yorker said...

The photo is of American- born Helena Zimmerman, 9th Duchess of Manchester. The tiara, now in the Albert and Victoria Museum of London, has 100 carats of diamonds made by Cartier in 1902