Friday, September 14, 2018

Book Review: Holbein's Sir Thomas More The Frick Diptych Series

The Frick Collection is a charming museum on the edges of New York City's Central Park.  Henry Clay Frick was an industrialist, making his money in the late 19th century in coke production and US steel manufacturing.    Mr. Frick built his mansion on 70th street between 5th and 6th avenues and collected a spectacular art collection.  Following his death his mansion opened to the public in 1935 and is a popular museum to this day.

The Frick Diptych Series produces short books focusing on one of the works in the collection.  According to Ian Wardropper, Director, The Frick Collection, the idea is to pair an art historian's in depth look at a single work with a contribution by a writer or an artist.  The first work to be showcased is Hans Holbein the Younger's portrait of Sir Thomas More.

The portrait of More was purchased by Henry Clay Frick in 1912.  He paired it with Holbein's portrait of Thomas Cromwell and they reside in the Living Hall, separated by a beautiful fireplace watched over by El Greco's St. Jerome who rests between them above said fireplace.

For the book Xavier F. Salomon, Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator, The Frick Collection writes the in depth study of the painting.  Salomon, gives a good overview of the life and work of the artist and examines in depth the creation of the painting and its connections to the many extant sketches of Sir Thomas and the members of his extended family.  The famous portrait of More's family was also painted at the same time as the individual portrait and Salomon notes the historical significance of the family portrait being so unusual at this time in history as it does not portray a family with royal blood.  It is sad to realize that the original Holbein painting of More's family was lost in a fire in the 18th century.  Copies remain, but the loss of an important original work by Holbein can be mourned by Tudor scholars, and lovers of history and art appreciation.

The writer/artist chosen to contribute to the book is Man Booker Prize winning author Hilary Mantel. She chose to write her essay reflecting on the life of Thomas More in the form of a letter.  Using the painting as a stepping off point, Mantel give a brief biography of this great man and Catholic saint, while acknowledging More was a man who was a lawyer, literary genius, family man, Lord Chancellor, and martyr, yet, the man was not without his faults.   He may be remembered as the "Man for all seasons," but Mantel reminds the reader he was ultimately human.

Holbein's Sir Thomas More, written by Hilary Mantel and Xavier F. Salomon, is available for $17.95 at the gift shop of The Frick Collection in New York City.  It may be ordered onlilne at https://www.frick.org/shop/art_frick_collection/frick_diptych_series_holbein

For hours, admission and directions to The Frick Collection please visit https://www.frick.org/