Reynolds's 'Portrait of Omai' Debuts at Getty Museum After Shared Acquisition
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles will showcase Sir Joshua Reynolds's renowned 'Portrait of Mai (Omai)' (c. 1776) beginning September 14. This nearly eight-foot-long artwork arrived at the museum in July, where it has been meticulously analyzed for five weeks by conservators from both the Getty and the National Portrait Gallery in London. Utilizing advanced imaging technology and flashlights, experts identified Reynolds's application of thick, textured paint in various sections, revealing that he reworked elements of the piece with multiple colors and layers, especially in Mai's head and intricately tattooed hands. Previously, the painting faced a 15-month export ban from the UK to prevent its sale abroad. In 2023, the Getty and the National Portrait Gallery obtained joint ownership, each contributing half of the £50 million cost (around $61 million at that time). This exhibition marks the painting's debut in the United States, providing fresh insights into Reynolds's artistic methods.
Key facts
- The 'Portrait of Mai (Omai)' by Sir Joshua Reynolds (c. 1776) will be displayed at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles starting September 14.
- The painting was subject to a 15-month export ban by the United Kingdom to protect it from foreign sale.
- In 2023, the Getty and the National Portrait Gallery secured shared ownership, each paying half of the £50 million price tag (about $61 million at the time).
- The nearly eight-foot-long painting arrived at the Getty in July and underwent five weeks of technical analysis.
- Conservators from the Getty and the National Portrait Gallery used flashlights and imaging technology to analyze the painting.
- Analysis revealed Reynolds's use of thick, textured paint, indicating reworking with multiple colors and layers in areas like Mai's head and tattooed hands.
- The findings were first reported by the Los Angeles Times and confirmed by Hyperallergic.
- The painting will make its United States debut at the Getty Museum.
Entities
Artists
- Sir Joshua Reynolds
Institutions
- Getty Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
- Hyperallergic
- Los Angeles Times
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- United Kingdom
- London
- California