More Kilt Art

[Sherry]

Very nice. I love the play of light in the painting.

[whiteravenJr.]

This picture is beautifull i wish i had some kilt art to hang in my dorm room and show my true appreciation for the kilt and those who wear them.

[pdcorlis]

I have always like this painting by Millais too

[Sherry]

It's especially poignant when you know the history behind it. I've seen a better graphic of this painting, showing the defiance & determination on the woman's face. Just wonderful!

[mudd]

It's especially poignant when you know the history behind it.

What’s the history?

[pdcorlis]

The title is The Order of Release

One art critic interprets the painting this way...

This historical genre picture shows one of the consequences of the unsuccessful Jacobite rebellion of 1746, which was lead by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Millais painted this canvass entirely in the studio, having looked for an authentic background and failed to find one. One must assume that the prisoner to be released was very lucky, as the rebellion was put down with the utmost cruelty by the Duke of Cumberland. The prisoner, in his tartan kilt is taken to his wife, baby, and an extremely enthusiastic collie dog, whose exuberant behaviour made him a nightmare to paint. The wife was modeled by Effie Millais, who commented on the infinite pains he took with the picture, and the consequent extended time it took to complete. The son of the painter John Guille Millais commented that the likeness of his mother was perfect. The woman appears to be very self-assured, though there is the implication she has obtained the release of her husband by a sexual favour.