A world-renowned painting has returned to the Scottish capital and is back on display for the public to see. The painting is said to be the most recognisable portrait of fashionable London society in the late 19th century and has now been welcomed home to National Galleries Scotland . Painted by world-famous artist John Singer Sargent, the Lady Agnew of Lochnaw also marks a name change for the landmark portrait to commemorate the subject of the artist, Gertrude Vernon.
Following its return, the portrait has been given a fuller name - Gertrude Vernon, Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1864 – 1932) . By including her first name, this ‘fascinating sitter’ can finally be recognised as an individual in her own right, beyond her status as the wife of Baronet Andrew Noel Agnew of Lochnaw. Dr.
Patricia Allerston, Deputy Director & Chief Curator of European & Scottish Art, National Galleries of Scotland said: “This fascinating painting is a favourite for many visitors, and we are delighted to have it back on display at the National. “Sargent’s compelling portrait presents Lady Agnew as a real person with a very distinctive personality. Our aim in adjusting the portrait’s title is to give visitors a bit more information about this intriguing sitter.
” Before its return to Edinburgh, the painting was on a major international tour as one of the star attractions of the Sargent and Fashion exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Tate Britain, London. For both the artist and hi.