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]

23 comments:

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  2. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 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

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  6. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  7. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yay. Nice colours with lovely embroidery.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I rather like the man behind him...

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. 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".

    ReplyDelete
  13. I say Yea!!! I like the pink jacket!!! :)

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. 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....]

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like it. Yay.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  21. 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.

    ReplyDelete