'Although in this 1795 portrait, by Peter Vandyke, the 23-year-old Coleridge looks respectable enough, we know that at this point in his career he normally cultivated the appearance of a wild and unkempt revelutionary: his future bride described him as cutting "a dreadful figure"; his clothes worn out and full of holes, his hair long and shaggy.'
From 'The Iluustrated Lake Poets by Molly Lefebure
9 comments:
My kind of fellow. I'm often described as cutting a dreadful figure. I adore that expression. Haven't heard it since university;-)
It's obvious from this picture, that what you see isn't always what you get! Very interesting 'Sunday Snippet'.
Interesting!!! I can imagine him well in his long shaggy hair...
coleridge a slob?! oh no, say it's not true!!! he looks handsome in this little painting but then perhaps his wife paid for the painting and put in a few provisos about the finished product! steven
Perhaps he tidied up for his portrait!:)
Haha - he hid it well on this painting! :-)
I like to imagine the 'behind the scenes' cajoling and persuasion ... but maybe vanity prevailed here.
Usually, he was wandering around the Lake District or in other countries, making notes and writing poetry, so no need for a large bow and hair 'gel'.
Fashion, Art and other Fancies - I love that expression, too, and the sour face that would go with saying it!
Such a pitty when people end up in default...
It is, Kristen.
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