Classical portrait painting by Jonas Barlyng.
Rare classical portrait painting
Portrait painting today often includes a context or a reference to the person’s life or ethnicity. Classical, pure portrait painting founded in the 19th Century is less common.
A reader of mine, Jonas Barlyng, performs the rare art of classical portrait painting.
This week he just finished a portrait of Butler. Only contextual feature is the evening wear, bespoke, of course.
At the atelier
The painter and his model.
I visited Jonas and Butler at Jonas’ atelier in downtown Copenhagen, and I went to the reception at Butler’s house, when they unveiled the painting. Both Butler and Jonas held a speech.
Jonas uses a technique of long, swift brush strokes that results in a clear picture at a distance. If you stand closer to the painting sharpness dissolves. It’s magic, in a way.
A new side of Butler
Usually, in photos, Butler looks somewhat servere and tough. Jonas’ painting adds softness to his expression as if Butler has a hidden gentle side as well. I like that.
Jonas’ role model is the deceased Danish portrait painter Herman Vedel (1875-1948). He is very fond of American expatriate and portrait painter John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) too.
Price for a small portrait starts at 25.000 DKK, Jonas tells me. It equals 3.350 euro.
Photography: Sartorial Notes
Great to see Butler making a comeback. He’s such a joker.