The Blue Boy: Gainsborough's Masterpiece at The Huntington
Thomas Gainsborough's renowned painting, The Blue Boy, created around 1770, stands at approximately 48 inches wide and 70 inches tall. The identity of the subject remains uncertain but is believed to be either Jonathan Buttall or Gainsborough Dupont, with attire influenced by Anthony van Dyck's 17th-century masterpieces. Purchased by Henry E. Huntington for over $720,000 in 1921, the artwork was showcased at the National Gallery in London the following year, attracting 90,000 visitors. X-ray analyses reveal it was painted over an unfinished portrait of an older man. The Blue Boy also inspired costume design in Django Unchained (2012).
Key facts
- The Blue Boy was painted by Thomas Gainsborough around 1770.
- It measures about 48 inches wide and 70 inches tall.
- The subject may be Jonathan Buttall or Gainsborough Dupont.
- The clothing is inspired by Anthony van Dyck's 17th-century works.
- Henry E. Huntington purchased it for over $720,000 in 1921.
- It was displayed at the National Gallery in London in 1922, seen by 90,000 people.
- X-rays show it was painted over an incomplete portrait of an older man.
- The painting influenced costumes in Django Unchained (2012).
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Gainsborough
- Anthony van Dyck
- Sir Joshua Reynolds
- John Hoppner
- Kehinde Wiley
- Gainsborough Dupont
Institutions
- The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
- National Gallery, London
- Royal Academy
- National Portrait Gallery, London
Locations
- San Marino, California, USA
- London, UK
- England, UK