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Artists Model & Beggar
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Artists Model & Beggar
James Turner a beggar aged 93 who made a lucrative living even posing as an artists model for Sir Joshua Reynolds & Nathaniel Hone at the rate of a shilling an hour
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Media ID 588913
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10171422
1657 1750 Age D Beggar Beggars Brooch Charity Clasp Community Hone Hour Joshua Living Nathaniel Posing Rate Shilling Turner Made
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the intriguing story of James Turner, a 93-year-old beggar who made an unexpected living in 18th century London as an artist's model for Sir Joshua Reynolds and Nathaniel Hone. Dressed in a tattered coat and clutching a small brooch, Turner posed for hours on end, earning a shilling for each session. His age and distinctive beard made him a popular figure among the artistic community, and his presence added authenticity to the paintings that would hang in the homes of the wealthy. The image, taken from the Mary Evans Picture Library, transports us back in time to an era when the line between charity and community was not so clearly defined. Turner's story challenges our perceptions of poverty and the role of art in society during this period. The fur collar on his coat suggests that he may have received some assistance from charitable organizations, but his ability to earn a living through modeling indicates a level of agency and resourcefulness. The clasp on Turner's brooch is a poignant reminder of the personal stories and histories that lie behind such seemingly simple objects. This photograph offers a glimpse into the complexities of life in 18th century London and the unexpected ways that individuals could make a living, even in the most unlikely of circumstances. Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) was a prominent British painter, known for his portraits of the British aristocracy, while Nathaniel Hone (1718-1784) was a painter and printmaker, known for his satirical works. The fact that they chose to use a beggar as a model speaks to the diverse range of influences and experiences that shaped their art.
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