‘Frame of Mind’ #2

Now featured by DesignCurial | First published by FX Magazine

Last month we shared one of the two favourite artworks selected by Istoria Group Chairwoman, Claire Menzies for FX Magazine’s 326th edition.

FX magazine invited architects, and designers to select their favourite artworks from the permanent collections at the Tate and the National Gallery, and asked why each has inspired them.

Claire’s contribution has now also been covered by DesignCurial, with the additional bonus artwork displayed below.

Claire Menzies selected ‘Titian’ by Bacchus and Ariadne as well as ‘Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose’ (dated 1885–6) by John Singer Sargent which is on display in The Tate.

I was born the day after Bonfire Night and the magic of children’s faces lit up at night – whether by sparklers or lanterns – has always been special to me, reminding me of that time of year.

Sargent insisted on painting the girls – Dolly and Polly, sisters in real life and daughters of the illustrator Frederick Barnard – at exactly the same time each evening, in order to get the light just right. His insistence on authenticity is such a great part of this painting’s special atmosphere.

‘Titian’ by Bacchus and Ariadne (dated 1520-3) which hangs in London’s National Gallery

I first saw this when a friend’s mother took us to the National Gallery in the late 1970s when I was staying with them after temporarily falling out with my family. My father was becoming increasingly evangelical, just as I wanted more freedom – and this painting spoke to that mindset perfectly.

The extraordinary blues of the sea and sky first drew me in, but the story was the hook.

Ariadne has been abandoned by Theseus, but rather than being dejected, she is livid with anger – just what the newly-arrived Bacchus falls for. It’s a brilliant depiction of love at first sight.

Thank you for reading

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