Joshua Reynolds' 1776 portrait of Omai, a Polynesian chief, has been jointly acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The acquisition was made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of the National Portrait Gallery, which raised £2.5 million to secure the painting.
Omai was a Polynesian chief who travelled to London in the late 18th century as part of the second voyage of Captain Cook. He became a celebrity in London society and was painted by Reynolds, who was one of the leading portrait painters of the time.
The painting has been described as one of Reynolds' most important works and is notable for its depiction of a non-European subject. It is also significant as a representation of the complex relationships between colonial powers and indigenous peoples in the 18th century.
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The acquisition of the painting by the National Portrait Gallery and the Getty Museum has been praised by art historians and experts. Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, said: "This is a landmark acquisition for the National Portrait Gallery, which will enhance our understanding of Reynolds' contribution to the development of British portraiture and of the cultural history of the Pacific."
Similarly, Timothy Potts, Director of the Getty Museum, said: "The acquisition of this extraordinary portrait is a significant milestone for the Getty and for the understanding of Reynolds' work in the context of global cultural exchange in the late 18th century."
The painting will be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, providing audiences on both sides of the Atlantic with the opportunity to appreciate this important work.
In addition to its artistic significance, the acquisition of the painting also highlights the importance of fundraising efforts in preserving and acquiring important works of art. The National Portrait Gallery's success in raising £2.5 million to secure the painting demonstrates the importance of public support for cultural institutions and their collections.
So, the joint acquisition of Joshua Reynolds' portrait of Omai by the National Portrait Gallery and the Getty Museum is a significant event in the world of art. The painting is an important representation of the cultural exchange between colonial powers and indigenous peoples in the 18th century and is one of Reynolds' most significant works. Its acquisition also highlights the importance of fundraising efforts in preserving and acquiring important works of art.
Keywords: Joshua Reynolds, portrait of Omai, National Portrait Gallery, Getty Museum, cultural exchange, fundraising, colonial powers, indigenous peoples.
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