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  • Story Listed as: True Life For Adults
  • Theme: Drama / Human Interest
  • Subject: Art / Music / Theater / Dance
  • Published: 11/26/2021

The Blue Boy

By Gerald R Gioglio
Born 1947, M, from Colorado Springs, CO, United States
View Author Profile
Read More Stories by This Author
The Blue Boy

“… all that is good in art is one soul talking to another.” – John Ruskin-

Wait. First, I need to tell you a story within the story. When I retired, I volunteered to mentor some middle school boys with absent or difficult fathers. Once one of the boys told me, “Mr. Jerry you’re pretty cool, but you suck at video games and you can’t draw.” Busted. Extremely amused by this missive, I replied “Yeah, but I bet you didn’t know I can draw a killer stick man?”

Sadly, when it came to drawing pictures that was the extent of it. I was hopeless. Never had a drawing class, never attended Art Appreciation or anything remotely similar.

Indeed, in 8th grade I was at a loss when one of the Good Sisters showed us a picture of the famous painting The Blue Boy by the 18th Century artist Thomas Gainsborough and asked us to describe and analyze it. The silence in the room, broken only by the smothered guffaws of young boys, was notable even if it was predictable. However, the furtive, mischievous glances of the boys suggested this conversation would continue outside the classroom.

Some of the girls took a stab at it, but it was clear we were all uninitiated when it came to appreciating picture art. Meanwhile, I’m like, “really? What’s to say other than to suggest the blue kid’s mom sure dresses him funny.” This would not have gone over well with Sister; so, with little insight or positive contributions, I stayed silent.

I mean, we were just working-class kids from the 1950s. James Dean was stylin’ on-screen, Marlon Brando was pimpin’ his ride, while Edd “Kookie” Byrnes was runnin’ a comb through his Vaseline-sodden, ‘duck’s ass’ haircut.

At lunch, the scuttlebutt among the boys was brutal. For 12 and 13-year-olds The Blue Boy’s wardrobe was just not getting it done. “Did you see those threads? What's with the lace around his neck and the blue bow on the shoes? That’s something my little sister would wear! I thought only the ‘Our Gang’ kids wore knickers.” On and on it went, with let's just say, other comments inappropriate when compared to modern nonbinary sensibilities.

Inspiration? Well, if this banter counts, I guess it worked. Indeed, the piece did foster a lively discussion among pre-pubescent boys, one not so much about Gainsborough’s colorful painting, but the boy it depicted.

Unfair! You cry. What about that marvelous painting?

Well, I am no longer completely hopeless. Over the decades I have gazed at Realism, Impressionism, and the Abstract; oils, sketches, pastels, charcoals and graffiti, Frescos and Landscapes, Still Life, Murals, and Sand Painting.

So, while still not an art connoisseur, I humbly offer this very subjective description of our Blue Boy: What we see is a young lad perhaps the same age as those of us who looked at him back in the '50s. Secure and proud, his prominent bottom lip and half-smile suggesting great pleasure with his appearance. He stands hand on hip, stylin’ in his glossy blue (silk?) outfit and knee-high knickers, a laced collar adorning his neck; brown shoes with blue bows compliment his ensemble. A blue cloak lies lazily over his left arm, a broad-brimmed black hat, featuring a large white plume, hangs from his right hand.

The brown earth with minimal flora emphasizes his outfit; the greenery behind him suggesting trees and bushes, the partially muted skyscape with an explosion of white clouds gives him prominence in the overall work. Gainsborough here depicts an 18th century boy who seems to be upper-middle class or better. He is dressed to the nines and sure to be the envy of all the young lads and of interest to the young ladies of the time.

Okay?

You know, over the years I came to identify the picture art I liked when I saw it, even if I did not understand all it took to produce it, or what exactly the artist was trying to say. The thing is, from a young age, I preferred libraries and bookstores over museums and galleries. I liked words over images, stringing them together, cold black symbols peering up from brilliant white paper, painting a picture of the visions Spirit gifts our consciousness. Perhaps those of a similar style might identify with this and with the art historian Anna Jameson who wrote, “In the art of design, color is to form what verse is to prose…”

And then there are stick people…did I mention cartoonists?

Postscript:
One picture from a not-so-famous-artist, whose work touches my memory and soul, stands out; it now adorns a wall in my living room. Sometime, if Spirit implants the story into my gray matter, I'll try to paint the word picture for you.

THE END

© 2021, Gerald R Gioglio

The Blue Boy(Gerald R Gioglio) “… all that is good in art is one soul talking to another.” – John Ruskin-

Wait. First, I need to tell you a story within the story. When I retired, I volunteered to mentor some middle school boys with absent or difficult fathers. Once one of the boys told me, “Mr. Jerry you’re pretty cool, but you suck at video games and you can’t draw.” Busted. Extremely amused by this missive, I replied “Yeah, but I bet you didn’t know I can draw a killer stick man?”

Sadly, when it came to drawing pictures that was the extent of it. I was hopeless. Never had a drawing class, never attended Art Appreciation or anything remotely similar.

Indeed, in 8th grade I was at a loss when one of the Good Sisters showed us a picture of the famous painting The Blue Boy by the 18th Century artist Thomas Gainsborough and asked us to describe and analyze it. The silence in the room, broken only by the smothered guffaws of young boys, was notable even if it was predictable. However, the furtive, mischievous glances of the boys suggested this conversation would continue outside the classroom.

Some of the girls took a stab at it, but it was clear we were all uninitiated when it came to appreciating picture art. Meanwhile, I’m like, “really? What’s to say other than to suggest the blue kid’s mom sure dresses him funny.” This would not have gone over well with Sister; so, with little insight or positive contributions, I stayed silent.

I mean, we were just working-class kids from the 1950s. James Dean was stylin’ on-screen, Marlon Brando was pimpin’ his ride, while Edd “Kookie” Byrnes was runnin’ a comb through his Vaseline-sodden, ‘duck’s ass’ haircut.

At lunch, the scuttlebutt among the boys was brutal. For 12 and 13-year-olds The Blue Boy’s wardrobe was just not getting it done. “Did you see those threads? What's with the lace around his neck and the blue bow on the shoes? That’s something my little sister would wear! I thought only the ‘Our Gang’ kids wore knickers.” On and on it went, with let's just say, other comments inappropriate when compared to modern nonbinary sensibilities.

Inspiration? Well, if this banter counts, I guess it worked. Indeed, the piece did foster a lively discussion among pre-pubescent boys, one not so much about Gainsborough’s colorful painting, but the boy it depicted.

Unfair! You cry. What about that marvelous painting?

Well, I am no longer completely hopeless. Over the decades I have gazed at Realism, Impressionism, and the Abstract; oils, sketches, pastels, charcoals and graffiti, Frescos and Landscapes, Still Life, Murals, and Sand Painting.

So, while still not an art connoisseur, I humbly offer this very subjective description of our Blue Boy: What we see is a young lad perhaps the same age as those of us who looked at him back in the '50s. Secure and proud, his prominent bottom lip and half-smile suggesting great pleasure with his appearance. He stands hand on hip, stylin’ in his glossy blue (silk?) outfit and knee-high knickers, a laced collar adorning his neck; brown shoes with blue bows compliment his ensemble. A blue cloak lies lazily over his left arm, a broad-brimmed black hat, featuring a large white plume, hangs from his right hand.

The brown earth with minimal flora emphasizes his outfit; the greenery behind him suggesting trees and bushes, the partially muted skyscape with an explosion of white clouds gives him prominence in the overall work. Gainsborough here depicts an 18th century boy who seems to be upper-middle class or better. He is dressed to the nines and sure to be the envy of all the young lads and of interest to the young ladies of the time.

Okay?

You know, over the years I came to identify the picture art I liked when I saw it, even if I did not understand all it took to produce it, or what exactly the artist was trying to say. The thing is, from a young age, I preferred libraries and bookstores over museums and galleries. I liked words over images, stringing them together, cold black symbols peering up from brilliant white paper, painting a picture of the visions Spirit gifts our consciousness. Perhaps those of a similar style might identify with this and with the art historian Anna Jameson who wrote, “In the art of design, color is to form what verse is to prose…”

And then there are stick people…did I mention cartoonists?

Postscript:
One picture from a not-so-famous-artist, whose work touches my memory and soul, stands out; it now adorns a wall in my living room. Sometime, if Spirit implants the story into my gray matter, I'll try to paint the word picture for you.

THE END

© 2021, Gerald R Gioglio

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COMMENTS (19)

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Jessica M.

04/27/2025

I think each of us can look at a painting like The Blue Boy (or any other) and see a different thing. It all depends and differs based on our personal experiences, likes and dislikes and appreciation (or not) or art pieces. You offered your personal thoughts on this, Gerald, and they are quite interesting. As for drawing, most of us aren't very good at that I feel :))

I think each of us can look at a painting like The Blue Boy (or any other) and see a different thing. It all depends and differs based on our personal experiences, likes and dislikes and appreciation (or not) or art pieces. You offered your personal thoughts on this, Gerald, and they are quite interesting. As for drawing, most of us aren't very good at that I feel :))

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Gerald R Gioglio

04/27/2025

Thanks for reading, Jessica. So good to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for reading, Jessica. So good to hear your thoughts.

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Cheryl Ryan

04/27/2025

Your story is such a moving narrative. It is a heartfelt and evocative piece that intertwines art appreciation with personal reflection. It beautifully captures the profound impact art can have on our personal lives, and it's both touching and inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

Your story is such a moving narrative. It is a heartfelt and evocative piece that intertwines art appreciation with personal reflection. It beautifully captures the profound impact art can have on our personal lives, and it's both touching and inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

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Gerald R Gioglio

04/27/2025

I appreciate such a thoughtful response. Thank you, Cheryl.

I appreciate such a thoughtful response. Thank you, Cheryl.

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Barry

04/24/2025

Wickedly good writing. Very entertaining and I particularly liked your thoughtful interpretation of what the painting represented. Much like you, I can't draw or paint for S--t. but I sure like to write.

Wickedly good writing. Very entertaining and I particularly liked your thoughtful interpretation of what the painting represented. Much like you, I can't draw or paint for S--t. but I sure like to write.

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Gerald R Gioglio

04/24/2025

Hey, Barry. Thanks for reading and for your fine comments on this piece. Yeah, we may be both challenged when it comes to drawing. Sigh...in any case, Write On!

Hey, Barry. Thanks for reading and for your fine comments on this piece. Yeah, we may be both challenged when it comes to drawing. Sigh...in any case, Write On!

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JD

01/10/2022

Happy short story STAR of the week, Jerry! : )

Happy short story STAR of the week, Jerry! : )

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Doug Lay

01/10/2022

Good Story. Interesting and amusing.

Good Story. Interesting and amusing.

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Gerald R Gioglio

01/10/2022

Appreciate it, Doug. Glad you got a kick out of it. Take care. Jerry

Appreciate it, Doug. Glad you got a kick out of it. Take care. Jerry

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Lillian Kazmierczak

12/07/2021

Belated short star story of the day Gerald! I loved the story! I remember that picture and his chort "Girl in Pink". I think every school in the US. had those pictures in the hall. I understand the pictures vs words, I am the same way. It was a great piece, had me thinking about grammar school!

Belated short star story of the day Gerald! I loved the story! I remember that picture and his chort "Girl in Pink". I think every school in the US. had those pictures in the hall. I understand the pictures vs words, I am the same way. It was a great piece, had me thinking about grammar school!

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Lillian Kazmierczak

01/10/2022

Congratulations on short story star of the week! I loved this story!

Congratulations on short story star of the week! I loved this story!

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Gerald R Gioglio

12/08/2021

Many thanks, Lillian! So glad the piece brought back some childhood memories. Glad you liked it. 'Girl m Pink,' huh? I guess the 12 year old me dropped the ball on that one too. Yikes! Take care, Jerry

Many thanks, Lillian! So glad the piece brought back some childhood memories. Glad you liked it. 'Girl m Pink,' huh? I guess the 12 year old me dropped the ball on that one too. Yikes! Take care, Jerry

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Darlington Chukwunyere

12/07/2021

Wow. Thanks for sharing this amazing piece.

Wow. Thanks for sharing this amazing piece.

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Gerald R Gioglio

12/07/2021

Darlington, good to hear from you. So glad this tale worked for you. Take good care, Jerry.

Darlington, good to hear from you. So glad this tale worked for you. Take good care, Jerry.

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Shirley Smothers

12/07/2021

What a great story. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations!

What a great story. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations!

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Gerald R Gioglio

12/07/2021

Shirley, so happy this resonated with you. I appreciate your kind comment. The Blue Boy and I are surprised and pleased to appear as a StoryStar of the Day. All the best, Jerry

Shirley, so happy this resonated with you. I appreciate your kind comment. The Blue Boy and I are surprised and pleased to appear as a StoryStar of the Day. All the best, Jerry

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Herm Sherwood-Sitts

12/07/2021

Nice Jerry! In my younger years I dabbeled with the airbrush. Later in life, essentual tremmors caused me to paint with words. I know personaly what you are saying. Loved your story!

Nice Jerry! In my younger years I dabbeled with the airbrush. Later in life, essentual tremmors caused me to paint with words. I know personaly what you are saying. Loved your story!

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Gerald R Gioglio

12/07/2021

Hey Herm, so glad to hear this. I agree with you. Sometimes, "it" just has to come out...in pictures, word or sound. So happy you enjoyed the story and let me know. Take care, Jerry

Hey Herm, so glad to hear this. I agree with you. Sometimes, "it" just has to come out...in pictures, word or sound. So happy you enjoyed the story and let me know. Take care, Jerry

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Kristin Dockar

12/07/2021

This made me smile. I think writing is like creating art. The writer creates pictures for the mind and imagination.

This made me smile. I think writing is like creating art. The writer creates pictures for the mind and imagination.

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Gerald R Gioglio

12/07/2021

Thanks, Kristen. Glad this touched you; and yep, I agree with your thoughts on creating those pictures. All the best, Jerry.

Thanks, Kristen. Glad this touched you; and yep, I agree with your thoughts on creating those pictures. All the best, Jerry.

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JD

12/06/2021

Happy short story STAR of the day, Gerald! :-)

Happy short story STAR of the day, Gerald! :-)

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Gerald R Gioglio

12/07/2021

Wow, coolness! That "fancy-pants" on display yet again. Many thanks. Jerry

Wow, coolness! That "fancy-pants" on display yet again. Many thanks. Jerry

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Marsha Pundsack

12/06/2021

This was wonderful and I was quite amused by your 8th grade analysis of the painting. However, if you are not an art connoisseur, I beg to differ. You are too humble. The story was beautifully written. Thank you for sharing with everyone.
Best regards,
Marsha Pundsack

This was wonderful and I was quite amused by your 8th grade analysis of the painting. However, if you are not an art connoisseur, I beg to differ. You are too humble. The story was beautifully written. Thank you for sharing with everyone.
Best regards,
Marsha Pundsack

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Gerald R Gioglio

12/06/2021

Thank you, Marsha. I so appreciate the compliment--I guess I'm learning a thing or two from my wife! Many thanks for reading and taking the time to let me know what you think. It means a lot. All the best, Jerry

Thank you, Marsha. I so appreciate the compliment--I guess I'm learning a thing or two from my wife! Many thanks for reading and taking the time to let me know what you think. It means a lot. All the best, Jerry

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Gail Moore

12/05/2021

I missed this one.
Fantastic piece Gerald, Well done :-)

I missed this one.
Fantastic piece Gerald, Well done :-)

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Gerald R Gioglio

12/06/2021

Thanks Gail, so glad you enjoyed it. I do greatly appreciate your feedback. Take care, Jerry

Thanks Gail, so glad you enjoyed it. I do greatly appreciate your feedback. Take care, Jerry

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Jason James Parker

11/28/2021

This is such a fantastic piece, Gerald. There's a beautiful flow to your writing. I was sad when it ended; I just wanted to keep reading. And that last line? Perfect. : )

This is such a fantastic piece, Gerald. There's a beautiful flow to your writing. I was sad when it ended; I just wanted to keep reading. And that last line? Perfect. : )

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Gerald R Gioglio

11/29/2021

Jason, thank you. I was humbled by your kind thoughts on my writing and moved by your reaction to it's coming to an end. You made my day, sir. I am grateful. Jerry

Jason, thank you. I was humbled by your kind thoughts on my writing and moved by your reaction to it's coming to an end. You made my day, sir. I am grateful. Jerry

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Tim Norland

11/27/2021

I am always fascinated by how art, especially famous art, enters a person's life. Thank goodness for fine teachers. I enjoyed your vignette of discovery.

I am always fascinated by how art, especially famous art, enters a person's life. Thank goodness for fine teachers. I enjoyed your vignette of discovery.

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Gerald R Gioglio

11/28/2021

Tim, Yep...'thank goodness for teachers.' So glad you enjoyed the story. Take good care, Jerry

Tim, Yep...'thank goodness for teachers.' So glad you enjoyed the story. Take good care, Jerry

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Martha Huett

11/27/2021

How wonderfully interesting and entertaining! To read about a 1950s youngster's perspective of 18th century art was really something. I love the painting and all the enlightening details in your story. Thanks for sharing! :)

How wonderfully interesting and entertaining! To read about a 1950s youngster's perspective of 18th century art was really something. I love the painting and all the enlightening details in your story. Thanks for sharing! :)

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Gerald R Gioglio

11/28/2021

Martha, it's so gratifying to read you kind compliments on The Blue Boy. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Take care, Jerry

Martha, it's so gratifying to read you kind compliments on The Blue Boy. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Take care, Jerry

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Aziz

11/27/2021

Excellent piece of work Gerald. I dived with in the world of art and its treasures. Very creative

Excellent piece of work Gerald. I dived with in the world of art and its treasures. Very creative

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Gerald R Gioglio

11/27/2021

Many, many thanks Aziz. It's always good to hear from you and very kind of you to read the piece and comment. Take good care, Jerry

Many, many thanks Aziz. It's always good to hear from you and very kind of you to read the piece and comment. Take good care, Jerry

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Kevin Hughes

11/26/2021

Aloha Gerald,

Ah yes, the world of Art. It inspires or insults, often at the same time. I loved JD's wonderful insight laden comments. However, I disagree that this isn't a story that relates to the Challenge, for it a story of how Art enters a persons personal space, and that, my friend, is a tale worth telling.

I would like to add a bit to her synopisis...for Port...
Read More

Aloha Gerald,

Ah yes, the world of Art. It inspires or insults, often at the same time. I loved JD's wonderful insight laden comments. However, I disagree that this isn't a story that relates to the Challenge, for it a story of how Art enters a persons personal space, and that, my friend, is a tale worth telling.

I would like to add a bit to her synopisis...for Portraitures made a good living for several centuries. I have some friends who are either Artists, or Art Historians, and in most portraits you don't see the hands of the folks being portrayed. Why?

Because, it appears that hands were the most difficult to capture correctly, hence, the most expensive to have painted in the portrait. It is why you mostly don't see hands except on the very rich, or Royal. So I was told.

And that last paragraph of prose, after the "Okay?" Was a portrait in words. Every bit as good as a Renoir, DaVinci, Rembrandt, or Gainsborough. A shimmer of silk on a blue outfit, but with words.

Smiles, Kevin

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Gerald R Gioglio

11/27/2021

Mahalo, Kevin. As always, a pleasure to hear from you. I do appreciate the information about Portraitures...between you and JD, I'm getting quite an art education. Most importantly, I'm truly flattered by your comments on the last paragraph in The... Read More

Mahalo, Kevin. As always, a pleasure to hear from you. I do appreciate the information about Portraitures...between you and JD, I'm getting quite an art education. Most importantly, I'm truly flattered by your comments on the last paragraph in The Blue Boy. I am humbled and extremely grateful. Peace, good and good health, Jerry

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JD

11/26/2021

Thanks for participating in the writing challenge, Jerry! It was fun the learn about the way school boys react to a famous painting of another similarly aged boy from a different century. My guess is they would react exactly the same way today and poke fun at the silly 'pretty boy' outfit he was dressed in. The challenge wasn't meant for anyone to specifically write about art, but just for the sto...
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Thanks for participating in the writing challenge, Jerry! It was fun the learn about the way school boys react to a famous painting of another similarly aged boy from a different century. My guess is they would react exactly the same way today and poke fun at the silly 'pretty boy' outfit he was dressed in. The challenge wasn't meant for anyone to specifically write about art, but just for the story to be inspired by a famous art image. But since you write true life stories it makes sense for you to choose a painting that you actually have real life experience with. Thanks for sharing yours.

Since your story does talk about the painting itself, I'd like to add a few of my own words about it.... Before the invention of cameras artists were the only way anyone could have their portrait done. Just as we enjoy having pictures of our loved ones to display today, in previous centuries people hired artists to paint portaits of their family to display on the wall. From paupers to princes, everyone hired the type of artist they could afford. There were travelling artists who went door to door selling their services, and there were artists employed by wealthy households and kingdoms to work full time on portraits and home decor. Obviously, the more skilled the artist, the higher a price he could command. At that time the ability to accurately depict the subject, their demeanor, their clothing, their character, etc... was paramount. Gainsborough became famous for his ability to so beautifully show the beauty in people and landscapes, the smooth shine and shimmer of silk fabric, the rosy cheeks of children and the blush of youth, enigmatic smiles, silken hair, etc... And his lush landscapes were ahead of his time, often dark and moody, and also impressionistic in a way that foreshadowed the movement yet to come in the next century. So... not only is Blue Boy a superb example of his skills as a painter, but it also perfectly captures what life was like in the 18th century, how people dressed and presented themselves, and what they valued at that time. Which, in many ways, is similar to what and WHO we value today....

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JD

11/26/2021

Thanks, Jerry. And thank you for your own art lesson! : )

Thanks, Jerry. And thank you for your own art lesson! : )

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Gerald R Gioglio

11/26/2021

JD, wow, I do appreciate your extensive comments and the neat art lesson. Hmm, you could copy/paste the detail as Blue Boy Ii. Just sayin'. Take care. Jerry

JD, wow, I do appreciate your extensive comments and the neat art lesson. Hmm, you could copy/paste the detail as Blue Boy Ii. Just sayin'. Take care. Jerry

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