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A question about a model
MESSAGE:
Does anyone know if the model for the adult in Gathering Almond Blossoms is identifiable. I'm hoping that this name may come from his later sketch books (that I do not have access to).
The question is related to my general quest to disprove/prove that Muriel Foster the contralto modelled for JWW. The figure in Gathering Almond Blossoms is one of only two that JWW painted that have an ear structure the same as Muriel's (fortunately less than 3% of the population have this ear structure). If I can identify this model then I can be satisified that despite the closeness of the match when using recognition software, that Muriel was not a model... just a close look alike to some of his models.
I have enjoyed this line of enquiry, but now hope to finish the process with an evidence based outcome. The views to the contrary so far have been based on opinions which it goes against my training to accept without question, no matter how well regarded the source.
Cheers
Neil
RESPONSES:
Hi Neil,
I don't believe there is a name associated with a sketch of that work.
Perhaps StB will have more information.
As you know, though, :) ... I would have to agree there isn't evidence the contralto was a Waterhouse model. ... I know how intriguing ... and frustrating the search can be. :)
Best wishes,
Cathy
Interesting you mention face recognition software as noticed the other day that Google Picasa supports this too. This (free) software was cataloguing faces from paintings as well as photos, and noticed that it picked up on similarities in facial features like bushy eyebrows, red lips and the like! http://picasa.google.com/
Neil,
All I can say is keep looking at the sketches compared to the paintings. I still feel you will never find just a single model for any of the paintings unless it is meant to be a portrait. If you have a sketch, you have a higher chance of it being an accurate depiction, but just a higher chance.
I know you've got your heart set on Muriel, but I think Cathy's candidate, Aline Henderson, is more likely in this one. Along with a touch of Gwendoline here, a bit of someone else there....
Hi Everyone
Thanks for the assistance with this question.
The recognition software I used is concerned with facial structure, eye position, socket size, jaw shape and depth etc. So the match is relatively scientific.
I agree completely with Cathy that the faces in JWs paintings are constructions rather than portraits. They are quite lacking in firmness of detail to make them identifiable, which is perhaps why so many women see themselves in the paintings.
Neither Aline nor Gwendoline seem to have had the ear structure I've mentioned, seems unlikely that JW would search out this type of ear as it actually looks quite odd.
I no longer have my heart set on Muriel... but in the course of the investigation I've found so much information on this rather radical person that I'd now like to write a biography, it would be a shame for the femanist movement to ignore her.
It does seem that she was better known to Poynter and Draper than to JW.
Looking forward to what you will write about this wonderful person, Neil.
Best wishes.
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