About this artwork
Editor: So, this is Francis Hayman’s “Thomas Nuthall and his Friend Hambleton Custance.” It feels like a very casual portrait, almost like we've just stumbled upon these two gentlemen relaxing indoors. What catches your eye in this painting? Curator: Oh, the dogs, absolutely! See how one mirrors the seated gentleman's pose while the other mirrors the gentleman leaning on the table? The artist is having a bit of fun with us, I think. It's less about grand pronouncements and more about a shared moment of ease and companionship. Wouldn’t you agree? Editor: I hadn’t noticed that! It does make the whole scene feel more playful, doesn’t it? Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure! It is like catching a fleeting glimpse into their world, so subtly full of the everyday joy of dogs and friendship.
Thomas Nuthall and his Friend Hambleton Custance
c. 1748
Artwork details
- Dimensions
- support: 710 x 915 mm
- Location
- Tate Collections
- Copyright
- CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Comments
http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hayman-thomas-nuthall-and-his-friend-hambleton-custance-t00052
This ‘conversation piece’ portrait shows two wealthy Norfolk squires resting after a day’s shooting. On the left is Hambleton Custance of Weston, who was about to marry a local heiress; his festive clothes and the bird he holds in his hand pose may refer to this. On the right is Thomas Nuthall, solicitor to the East India Company. He might be shown here as the unsuccessful suitor comforted by his dog; he remained single until he married his friend’s widow in 1757. Gallery label, September 2004
About this artwork
Editor: So, this is Francis Hayman’s “Thomas Nuthall and his Friend Hambleton Custance.” It feels like a very casual portrait, almost like we've just stumbled upon these two gentlemen relaxing indoors. What catches your eye in this painting? Curator: Oh, the dogs, absolutely! See how one mirrors the seated gentleman's pose while the other mirrors the gentleman leaning on the table? The artist is having a bit of fun with us, I think. It's less about grand pronouncements and more about a shared moment of ease and companionship. Wouldn’t you agree? Editor: I hadn’t noticed that! It does make the whole scene feel more playful, doesn’t it? Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure! It is like catching a fleeting glimpse into their world, so subtly full of the everyday joy of dogs and friendship.
Comments
http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hayman-thomas-nuthall-and-his-friend-hambleton-custance-t00052
This ‘conversation piece’ portrait shows two wealthy Norfolk squires resting after a day’s shooting. On the left is Hambleton Custance of Weston, who was about to marry a local heiress; his festive clothes and the bird he holds in his hand pose may refer to this. On the right is Thomas Nuthall, solicitor to the East India Company. He might be shown here as the unsuccessful suitor comforted by his dog; he remained single until he married his friend’s widow in 1757. Gallery label, September 2004
