s Portrait of Lady Duveen - Hull Museums Collections

Portrait of Lady Duveen

Flameng was born in France and lived in both Paris and London. He made his reputation as a portrait and historical painter. Society portraits, such as this one of Lady Duveen, were symbols of power and wealth and more than just a physical likeness was required. Unlike photography, the painted portrait offered the opportunity for sitters to be idealised. The most successful portraitists were those who achieved the most flattering representations of their sitters. This somewhat sentimental picture is executed in Flameng’s loose and sketchy manner, but with a highly finished face. This style was highly popular at the time. Lady Duveen was Elsie Salamon of New York before her marriage in 1899 to Hull born Lord Duveen. Duveen was in the antiques trade, and became one of the greatest benefactors to the fine arts in this country. He presented four paintings to the Ferens. A further fourteen were presented by his Executors. Lady Duveen presented one in memory of her husband. This portrait was given by her Executors after her death.