Mindfulness – Get a life, Fred!

Posted byClive La PenséePosted inAmazing Women, mindfulnessTags:, , , , , , , ,

The portrait below is of Mary Elwell and was executed by her husband, Fred. It reveals a wistful wife, thinking thoughts Fred must have wished he hadn’t captured. This time it’s not me being mindful, but Mary!

  • Is she thinking, ‘I wouldn’t mind so much, but I am better than him, so why aren’t I doing a self-portrait, and as a rich widow I brought the money into the marriage, which allows him to daub and me to organise the household.
    ‘Mustn’t complain. Good wives smile, for a quiet life.’
    Portrait of Mary by her husband, Fred Elwell RA. Beverley Art Gallery.
  • Mary and Fred, in Beverley Art Gallery
    Fred’s bust says, ‘Am I not a splendid fellow.’
    Mary’s body-language, replies, ‘Really Fred. Get a life!’

Published by Clive La Pensée

Clive La Pensée, ex-science teacher, recognised writer on history of beer, novelist, expressionist, dreamer, believer in never giving up, empathiser, hopeful for a future without class, gender or racial prejudice. It's tough and at the moment, one has to remember distance travelled, rather than where we are at.

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