Recognising power of the portrait
ENCOMPASSING some of the most famous paintings of all time, portrait art has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. Before the invention of photography, visual representations by means of drawn lines, paint or sculpture were the only way of recording, or at least attempting to interpret, a person’s appearance.
Historically, portraits tended to signify the importance, power or wealth of the sitter – individuals of note and stature who would have the financial means to commission the works.
In more modern art, styles of portraiture are as diverse as the faces they reflect – from the abstract, often bizarre interpretations of people by artists like Picasso, whose inspirations were often taken from friends and lovers, to the raw realism of the portraits and nudes painted by Lucien Freud.
In the 20th century, renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo produced largely surrealist paintings including her universally recognisable motif of distinctive self-portraiture.
As the century progressed, photography became the prime medium for observation of the face and features. Photography enabled artists to articulate a subject in an endless variety of reflections, and in doing so, continued to dissolve any traditional boundaries or structures of the art form.
At auction, portrait pieces from traditional to modern are among the most sought-after artworks. At Anthemion Auctions in Cardiff, an 18th-century Russian head-and-shoulders portrait of Emperor Peter III sold for a staggering £12,500, while a stunning and very enigmatic head-andshoulders portrait of a lady, attributed to Luis Falero, beguiled buyers into a final selling price of £6,800.
■ CARMARTHEN Leisure Centre, in Llansteffan Road, will be hosting the next Toy and Train Sale on Sunday, September 29, between 10.30am and 3pm.
Carmarthen Leisure Centre is a great venue, being easy to reach and well-located just off the main A40 dual carriageway going west from the town (first slip road off after B&Q) and it has level and easy access.
The nearby town boasts some excellent shopping facilities (classed as one of the leading shopping destinations in the principality) as well as hotels, cafes etc. The leisure centre has almost unlimited free car-parking, great atmosphere and an excellent in-house cafe which offers both quality and value and will be operating during the event. There is also level and easy access and the main hall is well-lit and very user-friendly.
Organiser Chris Dyer said: “Carmarthen attracts a wide and varied range of traders from both sides of the Prince of Wales Bridge and from as far away as the north of England, the Midlands and Cornwall, as well as many more locally-based dealers from all over Wales.
“A wonderful array of stock will be available and with all the big names such as Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, EFE, Tri-ang, Hornby, Lima, Wrenn, Bachmann etc present.
“Stall-holders are also keen to buy and exchange, so bring along any surplus items you may have for disposal, even if just for a free valuation.”
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