Austen on portraits (SPOILER!)
Posted by Laura Wallace on November 21, 1997 at 01:52:06:
In response to protraits, likenesses etc, written by Kate on November 20, 1997 at 19:50:13
Portraits, the making of "likenesses" and so forth are in fact a linking theme of the novel.
The Preface to my edition of P&P includes an excerpt from a letter from Jane Austen to her sister:
"My brother and I went to the exhibition in Spring Gardens. It is not thought a good collection, but I was very well pleased, particualrly with a small portrait of Mrs Bingley, excessively like her. I went in hopes of seeing one of her sister, but there was no Mrs Darcy. Perhaps, however, I may find her in the great exhibition. . . .
"Mrs Bingley is exactly herself--size, shape, face, features, and sweetness! There never was a greater likeness. She is dressed in a white gown with green ornaments, which convinces me of what I had always supposed--that green was a favourite colour with her. I daresay Mrs D. will be in yellow."
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