DLA096-0096  Transcription

The Scotsman, 26 [May?] 1925

R.S.A.

With less of character and distinction, if with more direct appeal because of its grace and sentiment, Sir John Lavery’s “The Hon. Mrs. Forbes-Sempill and Ann” is also a finely designed picture. It expresses very happily that delightful feeling for home life, at once gracious and tender (and without that “sweetly pretty” air which is its nemesis), which is almost an exclusive possession of British painters. Moreover, it is admirably composed in a purely pictorial way, and has a harmoniously rich but unforced colour scheme. For these merits, it is easy to forgive, if not quite to overlook, its deficiencies in realisation. On the other hand, the attractiveness of Mr. de Laszlo’s accomplished and striking “Mrs. Chichester Crookshank” [4130] is more superficial than real.

MD

05/02/2008