A dust-covered painting found behind an old mattress in an attic has turned out to be the work of a famous artist estimated to be worth £50,000. November 23, 2008 -- Somerset, England -- An unnamed 45 year old woman had been given the art work for her ninth birthday in 1972 but stored it in her loft for years and forgot about it until she put her house up for sale. An eagle-eyed auctioneer who was valuing her belongings spotted the oil painting and was stunned when he realized it was by 19th century artist John Everett Millais. As well as being worth thousands, the dusty painting has also shed light on a 150-year-old scandal of a love triangle involving Pre-Raphaelite artist Millais. The portrait is of a woman called Effie Gray who was married to Millais's mentor and art critic John Ruskin at the time. Millais, whose work includes the famous Ophelia painting, met and fell in love with Gray in 1853 while he used her for another painting, the Order of Release. Gray was in a loveless marriage with Ruskin and left him to marry Millais three years later. They went on to have eight children together. The painting, which has Millais's signature on the back, shows Ellie Gray in a "passionate" and thoughtful pose while she was aged in her mid 20s. The 14” x 11” painting was auctioned at Christie's in 1961 and bought by a Bond Street dealer who later sold it. It was eventually bought by the consignor's mother at an art gallery in 1972.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Lost Portrait by John Everett Millais of Effie Gray discovered in Dusty Attic . . .
Monday, December 29, 2008
Marilyn Monroe photos by Bert Stern sell for $146,500
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Mid-Century Modern Pug . . .
This cracks me up. I couldn't resist reblogging this adorable pug puppy in his mini Eames Lounge. I know it has been Photoshopped to death and you have probably already seen it; but for those of you who haven't, here it is in all of its adorable glory. HaHaHa.
Source: A Merry Mishap
Cutest dogs ever! . . .
Don't you just love these five little dachshunds wearing colorful crocheted scarves on their heads?
Reblogged from here.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Handmade Fabric Gift Bags I whipped up . . .
Aren't they beautiful? The recipients might be able to use the bags for something else too! I was so pleased with myself. Sometimes it pays to procrastinate; you have to improvise and great ideas come out of thin air.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
My tree is finally up | Merry Christmas . . .
I picked up a really pathetic looking artificial tree at a garage sale last week for $5.00. Now that all the branches have been re-bent and the ornaments are in place I find it to be quite pleasing. I have always had a real evergreen; remember my post about the 600 trees I planted? I just can't bring myself to buy anything but a Charlie Brown tree and the lot nearby that sold them for a reasonable price closed down last year. Now I am set forever.
I decided not to use any lights, just shiny Christmas balls. They reflect the glow from the lamps in the room very nicely. I have other ornaments that I didn't use. The tree looks very old fashioned so I am declaring it finished. Less is more, right?
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Merry Christmas to all travelers . . .
If you find youself away from home December 25th, try to capture the spirit of Christmas wherever you can find it.
It's out there in some of the most unexpected places!
Enjoy more vintage travel trailer art here.