Sunday, November 28, 2010

Yay or Nay? Farinelli

The results are in and the fashion mob has determined Izabela Lubomirska to be over-the-top.  In this case, though, that is a good, thing earning her a Yay.  Well, since we're in the mood for over-the-top let's keep looking, just make sure you look very closely!



Jacopo Amigoni paints Farinelli (ca. 1750-2) in pink pastoral splendor, complete with fabulous lace detail. Yay or Nay?

[National Gallery of Victoria]

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23 comments:

  1. HeidenkindNovember 28, 2010 at 12:45 AM

    Hmmm. I like the jacket, but I'm not sure I like the black breeches WITH the jacket. And the shoes are meh. Overall, though, I think he has sort of a fancy bohemian air--like he cares about what he wears but not what other people think about it. So, yay.

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  2. Erin Blakemore - The Heroine's BookshelfNovember 28, 2010 at 1:13 AM

    I agree that the pants are a jarring note. And next to the fabulosity of the green-robed man beside him, homeboy looks a trifle louche and careless. NAY.

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  3. VineryNovember 28, 2010 at 4:34 AM

    If he would only sing for me, I would give an enthusiastic YAY for all aspects of his outfit. As he can't, I'll just say yay anyway.

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  4. Anne BoleynNovember 28, 2010 at 6:01 AM

    Pink and black? Nay.

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  5. RebeccaNovember 28, 2010 at 6:07 AM

    Not too fond of the jacket, and the jacket and breeches together? I have to agree that it's a no go.
    So, i say a VERY big Nay

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  6. Paul MillerNovember 28, 2010 at 6:27 AM

    The black pants MAKE the outfit, providing a little drama and weight to an otherwise sugary ensemble. What I like most about the painting is the break from formality, with the painter leaning in to check the composition, as if through a mirror that is the canvas itself. Yay.

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  7. cherylynnNovember 28, 2010 at 10:04 AM

    I want that jacket. (I do love a good cascade of lace) I agree that the black pants and plain shoes are a good contrast, grounding him somewhat amidst all the frothy bits. Love the composition and informality so a big Yay from me.

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  8. AnonymousNovember 28, 2010 at 12:57 PM

    Oooh this is wonderful! I'm studying History of Music and that painting was in my book, only in black and white, and I always wondered how it would be in colour. I know the man next to the great Farinelli is Metastasio.
    But I'm sorry, I can't rate Farinelli's clothing - I'd be totally parcial and give him a yay for everything!

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  9. nightsmusicNovember 28, 2010 at 1:41 PM

    Alas, it took me a few moments to try getting past the disgusted scowl on his face so, though I like the jacket, on him it doesn't seem to do much so...nay.

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  10. Anne ElizabethNovember 28, 2010 at 3:48 PM

    Yay. Nice colours with lovely embroidery.

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  11. lononsarahNovember 28, 2010 at 4:42 PM

    I rather like the man behind him...

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  12. DCNovember 28, 2010 at 6:28 PM

    Go on, why not. Give me flounce, give me lace, give me excess. A Yay from moi.

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  13. Princess CrumpetNovember 28, 2010 at 7:03 PM

    Ooh, a decided Yay! Although, granted, I'm not entirely sure about the whole stockings over breeches thing, I do love the whole "I'm waring sliver lace and I couldn't care less" vibe - very New Romantic (old romantic?). I feel like that sheet music should be "Stand and Deliver".

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  14. NycterisNovember 28, 2010 at 9:25 PM

    I say Yea!!! I like the pink jacket!!! :)

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  15. Miss HonneteNovember 28, 2010 at 9:40 PM

    I would love the jacket embroidery in a riding coat for a lady in the same fabulous pink. But, why not? yay

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  16. AudreyNovember 28, 2010 at 10:46 PM

    Yay to Farinelli, Nay to his cross-dressing friend in the back.

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  17. AnonymousNovember 29, 2010 at 12:35 PM

    I'd say "yay" if he had stocked his shirt, the cad.

    I'll say Yay, anyway. I like pink and black.

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  18. AnonymousNovember 29, 2010 at 1:02 PM

    Nay. A castratti should have more sequins, feathers, lace, powder, and all he can get to make him forget the loss of his jewels...


    [@Anne Boleyn: Pink and black nay?? I must presume you are not a Chanel fan....]

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  19. SakiVINovember 30, 2010 at 4:00 PM

    I like it. Yay.

    But then I've a soft spot for this man.

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  20. LindaNovember 30, 2010 at 11:04 PM

    Nay

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  21. AnonymousDecember 2, 2010 at 8:05 PM

    You know I have to say Yay to anything this fabulously pink. Wouldn't it make a wonderful costume for Prince Poppycock?

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  22. DGDecember 2, 2010 at 10:58 PM

    YAY. How can I say nay to the fabulous Farinelli? This is clearly him relaxing backstage, not a performance outfit. For a casual look, pink with lace is quite fancy.

    Apparently castrati had oddly shaped bodies, very elongated arms and legs, and big barrel-like torsos, which gave them their extraordinary lung power. He looks normal to me in this painting though.

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  23. AnonymousDecember 5, 2010 at 12:02 PM

    A little late but, I am thinking that the coat in the picture might have been red when first painted. Red was a fugitive color at one point and sometimes prone to fading. Having said that, I like it anyway.

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