Art Detectives' Journey: Unveiling Unknown Paintings |Perspective
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- čas přidán 24. 03. 2023
- Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould investigate the origins of two paintings by unknown artists dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, which unusually for the period, depict black subjects. One is a portrait of Dido Belle, a famous former slave adopted into an aristocratic English family in the 1760s, while the other depicts two children against a tropical landscape, and is believed to have been painted as a protest against the slave trade.
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Honestly I don't see why the painting of the children holding a book would only be 60,00 pounds. I had it in my head at least a million. The fact that she was a teenage artist, a prodigy and painting like that with her paintings displayed at the Royal Academy, I think the value should be much much higher than he gave. She was a rarity.
she wasn't a famous painter, People didn't commissioned her to paint, her painting was a propaganda though and of unknown people.
(so not really an actual painting that showed us the real black historical figure of the day)
I thought he said 600,000 lbs. Which is over a million!
The young girl looks like a young Michelle Obama
It was an estimate. An auction could change that.
I think it will go up in value because of this series.
Those paintings by Emma Jones are INCREDIBLE. It's insane how unknown she is. What a tragedy her early death is.
That portrait of her husbands just excites me so much! It's like a photograph, a tiny moment captured with so much life. He looks like a really fun person.
I want a movie about her.
That portrait really shows a Dutch influence--it's really similar to Dutch Golden Age portraits. I'd love to know more about Emma Jone as well. If she hadn't traveled to the Caribbean, it's possible the girls aren't actual individuals, but rather composites of children in things she had read, newspaper sketches, etc.
@@VeretenoVids I agree, she was painting from her imagination. I kept looking at the faces and thinking there is something wrong with the physiology. The eyes are too big and they bulge. The eyes are like her husbands, a European. Their expresssions are sad, especially the older sister. They look uncomfortable in the fine silk dresses, that they could never do their grubby work in. The older sister's dress is way too big, and falling off of her; her finger nails, on her sister's shoulder, are flithy and unkempt. She is not happy about the entire situation. The younger sister is uncomforatable in the stiffened bodice of the dress that is too big for her. I also think their hair is not right; it's not covered.
I you want it now?!
I wonder if Ema Jones traveled to the British Islands to do the painting? It would have been very difficult to capture such realistic features in Britain at the time. 🧐
I doubt she travelled there, but I'd think she had live models. There were black people living in Britain already after all.
Both paintings are stunningly beautiful, and I love that the relative of Dido Belle restored her name to its proper place on the name tag of the painting. The painting of Dido Belle and Elizabeth I especially love, perhaps because of having watched the movie, Belle and knowing more of the story. The painting of the two children by Emma Jones I hope will grow in value, it's certainly worth more in my mind.
the movie is so inaccurate it's basically a joke and complete opposite to Dido and Elizabeth's story... it's literally polar opposite irl Elizabeth was the rich one and Dido was broke
That's not correct. Belle was the wealthy one. HER father left her money
@@tenillereed9052 That's factually wrong. Dido Belle was broke, her father never acknowledged her, Sir John Lindsay in reality raped her 14yo mother, he also continue to have other illegitimate children by different women, he left Dido NOTHING when he died in 1788. Dido married when she was 32 in 1793 to a servant and given £100 a year... and £500.
Lady Elizabeth was the heiress in real life, she married first in 1785, to a rich aristocrat with a title, she was given £40,000 from HER father and Lord Mansfield, her husband had £20,000 a year.... and she lived in 2 huge mansions owned by her husband, she attended royal balls
Both paintings and their histories move me. As an African American woman, I am always interested and proud to learn of the “Hidden Histories,” of those of African descent. Both paintings are evidence of the regard the Artists had for their Black subjects. They were indeed powerful and beautiful statements against the dehumanizing of Blacks in art and the slave trade. I applaud the both.👏🏾👏🏾 Thank you for this excellent episode and sleuth work!👍🏾
What do you think of Netflix's black Cleopatra?
@@isabellind1292Cleopatra was biracial just like the actress who played her. The actress is not a black woman.
@@rosejames5172 Go educate yourself and while you're at it, have a word w/Smith who is quoted as saying "We don't often get to see stories about black queens". GEEZ, wtf do you think she's talking about?! Stop w/the BS!
@@rosejames5172 Oh and maybe you have an answer for the director who wants to know what should bother anyone about a black Cleopatra? And while you're at it, ask her what should bother anyone about a Greek Cleopatra!
@@isabellind1292 Cleoptra was both black and greek.
One of the best Fake Or Fortune episodes. I almost wish they split the two paintings it into two full episodes.
,
Agreed; but I understand why they put them together, as they both had that "moment in history" element.
I do hope they, or someone else, will do a deeper dive into to the lives and times involved in each of these paintings.
It is amazing that these two paintings were featured at all. So much was left out or was misleading. Dido Elizabeth Belle's name was not just discovered in this episode as suggested.
@@yubantwo2086 At the start of the episode they already say that this was a painting of Dido Bell (even though she wasn't mentioned on the label), so I'm not sure where you're getting that from.
@@AH-te5gs I got it from the end of the clip about which I am commenting.
I've loved the painting of Dido Belle since I first learned of it's existence. She looks like someone I'd want to be friends with. Something about the pose, I feel it captures who she was.
The other photo of the little ladies is absolutely captivating. Emma was an incredible artist. It's so sad that she passed away so young.
See the movie "Belle"
@@garyneilson3075it’s a really good movie I thought.
@@garyneilson3075Belle is 90% opposite of real Dido, it's the most fske movie ever eww
@@youtubeSOFTashell yeah no! no one wanted to marry Dido 😂 except a servant called John daviniere, who remarried to white woman as soon as Dido died
Emma you go girl! You live on despite leaving the earth so soon. So thankful her step dad and husband supported her. She gave us such love with her two heavenly ladies. Thank you to the diverse group of professionals that brought this to us so wonderful to see the diversity.
The painting of Dido and Eliz is just so beautiful. It is lovely that one of the earliest British examples of black people in portraits as non subservient subjects. I hope the sisters had a loving life together.
yes but Dido's clothes and the elements were still very much identical to the stereotypes of subservient black people in portraits, there were even 1 painting in which a black slave dressed almost exactly like Dido but obviously far in the back of the masters (she wore silver gown, silver turban with feathers and holding tray of fruits), but still Dido's similarity of elements to subservient black people in other paintings showed that she wasn't an equal to Lady Elizabeth.
From Lord Mansfield's will, it was clear Dido got £500 and £100/year while Elizabeth got £10,000+her aunts £22,000 (after they died).
Although they were close at Kenwood, there weren't any evidence that they kept in contact after Lady Elizabeth married, eliz was an aristocrat so their lives took different directions, Dido was married to a servant at the age of 32
@@samanthasmith61 I'm confused in the movie Belle she doesn't marry a servent he wasn't a man that came from money but her Father hired him to be sure he could take care of her seeing as tho he was a judge.....Have you seen the movie and has Hollywood once again fed me bullshit? 🤣
@@ccharms60 yes i have seen it and yes Hollywood fed u a huge bs🤣
More detail and fact about Dido Elizabeth Belle :
(The movie "Belle" sadly was quite the opposite of Real Dido's life) although loved, Dido's real life was actually really different from the movie, especially compared to her actual Aristocratic cousin Lady Elizabeth.
1. Dido's last name is Belle not Lindsay, her father Sir John Lindsay didn't gave her his last name. Instead she used her mom's last name Belle, her mom Maria Belle was actually alive and was given property by John Lindsay, some said she lived in a well to do area in Pensacola, Florida and live into her 50s.
2. her naval officer father, Sir John Lindsay didn't left Dido a single penny upon his death (he bequeathed £1000 to be divided among 2 of his other illegitimate children), her great uncle Lord Mansfield only gave Dido £500 and £100 annuity, a fraction compared to what her cousin Lady Elizabeth who was given £10000.
3. Dido's father had 5 other illegitimate children from 5 different women and none by his lawful wife.
4. Dido eventually married a French servant called John daviniere at the age of 31yo after lord Mansfield had died.
5. Lady Elizabeth actually married 8 years before Dido. at 25yo she left kenwood and married George Finch Hatton, an heir to Earl of winchilsea and Earl of Nottingham, nephew of Lady Mansfield, her dowry was around £17000
6. Dido actually worked in the poultry yard and dairy, as noted by the American visitor, Dido also her great uncle's minor errands and was noted being called upon this and that. some expert said This would make her wearing fancy dresses quite impractical since it would get dirty and ruined. Although dido attend many duties suitable for women of the gentry, many doubt Lady Elizabeth did any of those duties at all. Lady Eliz was given an allowance of £100 a year, while Dido received about £20-£30 a year, which might further limited Dido's choice of clothing compared to her rich cousin's clothing.
7. In the movie Dido was shown playing piano better than Elizabeth, but in real life Lady Eliz was actually renowned in the family as almost expert pianist and she liked to composed her own tune, this was noted by her stepmom's cousin, Mary Hamilton when she visited Kenwood House and later by none other than snooty Jane Austen.
8. Dido would have never met Real John Daviniere like in the movie, because Real John Daviniere was merely a servant and a valet not remotely a lawyer, he wouldn't even cross path with Dido as he didn't even work at Kenwood House, so it was unclear how they met. The Movie elevated John daviniere into aspiring abolitionist lawyer.
9. Lady Elizabeth's father (7th Viscount Stormont) is to inherit everything, after he inherited his income is said to be 42000 pound/year, an astronomical amount undoubtedly from his 2 aristocratic title Earl of Mansfield and Viscount Stormont. Lady Elizabeth wasn't an orphan, her mother died young bht she still has her father but her father was an Ambassador so he can't provide Elizabeth with stable upbringing so he arranged for his uncle Lord Mansfield and his 2 unmarried sister to take care of Lady Elizabeth at Kenwood House, the house which he will inherit after Lord Mansfield's death.
10. Lady Elizabeth's father would regularly visit Lady Elizabeth and his 2 unmarried sister at Kenwood House. Lady Eliz would also regularly visit her father and her stepmom in their home, they were quite close, Lady Eliz would name her daughter after her stepmom.
11. in 1784, Lady Elizabeth went to Royal Ball with her stepmom Lady Stormont and father when she was about 24yo, Her stepmom Lady Stormont was personally invited by the prince regent, Dido sadly wasn't invited. ( from letters she attended 3 more royal balls, Dido wasn't listed or invited)
12. Dido position in the household was awkward to say the least, being illegitimate and daughter of enslaved woman definitely hurt her position and inheritance, as she wasn't allowed to dine with guest said the American visitor account in 1779, recently more fact found in Mary Hamilton's diary when she visited Kenwood later in 1784, she never mentioned Dido despite her mentioning everyone even the parish priest, this indicates that she never saw Dido, but we know from her diary that Dido didn't join the family or Lady Elizabeth to church.This was weird as in Mary Hamilton has become the cousin of the Mansfields and they have the same aristocratic social circle ( she was Lady Stormont's 1st cousin )
13. Lord Mansfield actually didn't admit to the American Visitor in 1779 that Dido was his great niece, there was complication that the American Visitor thought Dido was his mistress, Lord Mansfield also didn't refer to Dido as his nieces in his 1793 will written by himself unlike how he referred to Lady Elizabeth as his dear niece. ( although some gossip or news of the day did report that the mulatto (Dido) was the natural daughter of Sir John Lindsay, evidently Lord Mansfield himself didn't really acknowledge Dido publicly to American visitor or in his will).
14. although Dido and Elizabeth were close during their time at Kenwood, It appeared that Dido and Lady Elizabeth eventually lost contact after Eliz got married, both headed in different directions, Lady Elizabeth to her aristocratic life and Dido to her own married life. Dido and John eventually moved to Raneleagh street in Pimlico in a newly built house costing £200, Pimlico at that time was in outskirt of London, her neighbour and friend Martha was a dairy maid from Kenwood, Martha was also the witness to Dido and John's marriage.
15. After Dido died at the age of 43, John Daviniere became a steward(the most senior servant) and remarried to a white woman named Jane and have 2 more children by her.
16. Dido's last descendant died out in 1975, Lady Elizabeth's descendants are still the present day Earl of winchilsea and Earl of Nottingham.
@@samanthasmith61 Thank you I read your whole comment, and let me just start off by saying idk why I am actually shocked, I know in real life people of color were never treated equal it's sad but true. I only got to watch it from the half way point so I didn't know that wasn't her Dad but her uncle..🤦🏽♀️ and idk on one hand I'm like ok for a colored girl, she did live more better then most ppl of color in those times...you know what I think I was just hopiing it was a true🥺 you know I have come to realize that it was just the way of life back then, and the fact they let her eat at the dinner table shows me even tho she had limitations on house rules, they did at least educate her. When I read how much money he left the other ladies I was like dang he could of gave her a extra 500. Now at least he left her something seeing as tho her own father couldn't care less.. I sit and think did Dido ever really feel part of the family??? Was she just grateful for the life she had??? It's a touchy subject at times but this is our History and I want to thank you for typing all that I kicked my feet up and started reading 😂 I was so hoping the movie got it right... Maybe although her Husband was a servant they fell in love and he made her feel worthy 😍Do you know if her husband was white??
@@samanthasmith61 I read your comments, and still can't understand why lord Mansfield did not give Dido a freedom before his death. His judgment in the Somerset case in 1772 was a proof of his anty-slavery opinions, and I think that the explanation, given by the director of the movie "Belle", that the probale reason for lord Mansfield's decision was to protect her from slave hunters, was not convincing. She could be, even better protected, both as a free woman and the member of the mighty family. She could be free to marry before her grand-uncle death. Dido's clothes and poisture on the portrait are indicative of her slavery position, maybe half-slavery, due to the gentle touch of lady Elizabeth's hand. The movie is only a happy-ending story, based on the changed facts. If the real drama of Dido's life was descibed, maybe, something close to "Uncle Tom's cabin", could have been obtained.
Something about these stories teared me up. As an African American it really touched me. Great video well done.
This beautiful painting of the children by Emma Jones deserves to be in someplace like the Smithsonian or Victoria and Albert museum..great show😊
Not the Smithsonian!!! It has been closed down, many children's bones found in tunnels underneath!!! Child trafficking and RSA.
Absolutely 💯
It bothers me a little that a white family decided to keep it at home as a conversation piece. It should be in a museum where everyone can view it. Especially children who are not white, who never see themselves represented in such a way during this time period.
@@wildflower1397
You're absolutely right 👍🏾
Especially because of the social justice message attached to its creation.
I am in love with the painting of the little girls. The younger one is looking right at the viewer and it's so powerful. Absolutely stunning painting Miss Jones. I bet there are innumerable uncredited women artists, and it's so sad. Glad we found out who painted that one. Too bad we don't know the girls' names.
I loved the story of Dido Belle. Simply captivating.
I am officially intrigued by Emma Jones. The fact that she died in child birth…..so sad. It’s crazy how dangerous child birth was then and how often women passed away as a result. What a loss.
Then?! Childbirth is still quite dangerous. In the U.S., for every 100,000 live births about 30 White mothers and 70 Black mothers die.
She was very young, but we can rejoice that she lived more in her 29 years than most people did in a full lifetime. To be supported in her gift by a stepparent before the age of 10, encouraged to continue in her craft, apply her skills to the abolitionist movement, marriage to an equally gifted man who loved her and her work so intensely he cherished her memory until his own death...wow, what a life!
I'd say childbirth has always been dangerous.
Women are still dying in child birth.
Women still pass away in childbirth to this day. Not as much, but still very real.
Emma Jones’ picture is so beautiful and if historical importance, it needs to be in a museum and shared with the public eye.
Correction, Dido was not "forgotten" she was erased. Thanks for this documentary, it is fascinating
Correction, Dido was forgotten not "erased" and she wasn't the only one forgotten.
we knew absolutely nothing about Lady Elizabeth's 2 unmarried aunt ( they were the one who raised them at Kenwood), we also knew absolutely nothing about Lady Mary (the one from movie) she is supposedly Mansfield's younger sister but no evidence she even live at Kenwood... and we knew nothing of her except that she died later
and we don't even have painting of her
@@samanthasmith61 no... she was erased, AS WELL AS the other's. Dido was erased for being an illegitimate enslaved great niece and the others because they didn't marry prominent men. Both disappointing facts can be true at the same time...
@@user-mk2zk1fl5i they were forgotten not erased... no one bother to record them.... Lady Elizabeth's uncle was also a mystery ( younger brother of her father), his existence was mentioned by Elizabeth's 2 aunts only by writing that Elizabeth's father was the "best of brothers"
this younger brother was even more mysterious, we don't even know when he died, we knew absolutely nothing about him, he didn't appear in any of their wills..... nor was mentioned
but he was recorded being born (we don't know the date either) it's a complete mystery
@@user-mk2zk1fl5i also you do realise that Dido was nothing to the next generation, it's pretty clear they weren't even aware Dido was their distant cousin.... Lord Mansfield himself never never ever acknowledged Dido as his niece unlike Lady Elizabeth.....
Lady Elizabeth was the daughter of 2nd Earl of Mansfield, sister to the 3rd Earl of Mansfield, and aunt to the 4th Earl of Mansfield ( this one lived almost a century), Dido was nothing to them... i mean no wonder Elizabeth was remembered... the family knew her
@samanthasmith61 again, the members of the family were indeed erased, discarded and therefore forgotten because the standards of the the aristocracy to be remembered were to significantly increase the value of the family by diplomatic marriages, birthing male heirs and/or wealth. Being Black, Dido didn't even have an opportunity to improve her status by any of these standards. I do understand the point you're making... I only believe that thinking contextually, the issues are greater than your comparisons; so comparing the rationale of why white family members who were displaced and trying to force parallels to why Dido was discarded and erased is naive.
Emma and Dido both have quite remarkable histories. It is sad that Dido history was erased but hopefully through this airing it can be restored. Art is like music to me. It is beautiful, transformative, and transcends time.
no, Dido was forgotten and nothing was restored here except her name, they didn't tell even a snippet of her story
Her portrait remains in a private collection.
@@eljanrimsa5843 because those family is the one who paid for it? and one of the Murray relatives was literally on the painting
The power of the female voice in bringing the curtain down on unbelievable human suffering.
I could see “E Jones 1831 quite clearly before the infrared light was applied. These are beautiful paintings. First time watching this channel and I’m finding it quite interesting. 👍🏽👍🏽
And interviewing the film director of ‘Belle’ was fantastic
I would interview her " how accurate was the movie to real Dido Belle"
What a great episode! I found the figure of Emma Jones to be an iconic trailblazer for her time. What an amazing woman, and how sad that her life ended too soon!
I love this show. This by far the most fascinating. Starting out with two radical and exquisite paintings, artists unknown. The discovery of Emma Jones, child prodigy, extraordinary artist was thrilling to learn. She was more than an artist with pigment and canvas though. Her empathy for her subjects on the fringes of society in that period is proof of that. To me, it seems she is also saying, "Look at this woman who cooked your delicious meals with ingredients she could never hope to afford. Think about her and all the others like her who kept your privileged lives running smoothly. Never forget them."
As for the painting of the two girls...it takes her empathy and compassion to another level, and adds passion, danger, and a touch of anger. The abolitionist movement had to have begun with anger. For the lack of humanity, the lack of recognition that Black slaves were human beings, with husbands, wives, and children; with their own dreams and aspirations; their talents, their need for expression.
To think of the final two being so courageously found and nurtured under such unspeakable conditions, is deeply humbling.
I understand the need for the religious aspect of the painting. Beyond the presence of the Bible and heavenward gaze is the direct statement, These too are children of God. I saw sadness in the eyes of the older girl. Did anyone else see that? The little one, though, was having nothing to do with sadness. Her bold, direct look says she has no compunctions about looking a white woman straight in the eyes. It also shows curiosity and fascination. I like to believe she is thinking that maybe she might become a painter some day and wondering how one goes about it. Those eyes!
The loss of Emma Jones is a tragedy. 29, with decades ahead of her to shower the world with her gifts. What a loss. To die in childbirth is a ghastly, horrible, excruciating way to die both physically and emotionally. To know you won't survive to know the child you have birthed, if indeed that child survived, has to be as excruciating as the physical pain.
What I love most about Dido and Lady Finch-Hatton is the pride their uncle took in their friendship and beauty, Black and White. When you think of the pains thousands (at least) of families went to in order to hide the shameful fact that, Heavens!, the family had been sullied with Black blood, there he is celebrating it.
There is a question often asked of celebrities: If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be? My choice would be that uncle. A stand alone, stand up kind of guy. Definitely my type.
Lord Mansfield didn't celebrate it lol, he never acknowledged Dido as his niece unlike Lady Elizabeth, and Dido wasn't allowed to attend any ball or event that Lady Elizabeth attended.
he gave lady Elizabeth total of £40,000 while he gave dido £500.
Dido eventually married to a servant at 32, while Mansfield tried hard getting lady Elizabeth the best possible Aristocratic gentleman, their son was 10th Earl of Winchilsea
also Lady Finch Hatton is a wrong title and is of wayyyy lower standing than Lady Elizabeth Finch Hatton ( some shorten it because it's too long but still, Lady Catherine de bourgh ranks higher than Lady de bourgh)
All I can say is I am in awe with both paintings! So utterly beautiful. ❤. 👵🏻👩🌾❣️
It would be lovely to see these in a museum where many could have access to see them up close. I know I would love to sit with them a while. ❤
They'd probably think you were boring and you'd have nothing to say, obviously.
The painting of the 2 girls is currently on display at Tate Brittain in London. I just saw it last month there. There was a tour at the museum and the tour guide discussed that the artist was just discovered.
The girls by Emma Jones are remarkable. It reminds me of me. The palm trees reminds me of my Bahamian heritage. I am so moved by the efforts of those who contributed to the abolition of the most gruesome and painful era of my dear ancestors' enslavement
Another here with the feeling that this is the episode I have enjoyed the most in a series I absolutely love.
These works are both so incredibly beautiful. They are so full emotion, one full of amusement and mirth; the other deeply moving and poignant.
Dido has an expression of mischievousness and fun. It makes me wish I could take her aside and find out what hilarious little secret she's about to reveal.
The two black children in the second painting are the exact opposite of the first. The little girl on the right has such an enigmatic little twist to her mouth. The longer I look at it, the more it seems to alternate between friendly openness and resigned judgment. IMHO, it is a true "Mona Lisa smile". I mean, is it a smile or is it something else?
I really wish it was possible to purchase prints of both of these works. They are both something I could come back to time after time and still see something fresh.
I read over this comment just now and quickly realized how much I miss my art history classes. I guess joy art gives me comes out in one way or another, when I'm not really expecting it. I just wanted to comment on the beauty of these paintings and then suddenly I'm writing a mini compare/contrast analysis. 😅
Great comment! They might've also been thinking of the comparison and contrast aspect of these portraits done roughly 100 yrs apart. It seems we know a plausible motivation for Emma Jones painting, but I wonder what was behind commissioning the portrait of Dido and Elizabeth. Was it her uncle or the artist that really wanted this painting. 🤔
@@erinmac4750 Good point.
@@yubantwo2086 thanks. I'll look it up.
@Irisarc I love it, have recommended it to many friends, who love it and I think you will too! I have a minor in art history, live in Berlin, travel to Florence, London, New York, and Boston to museums whenever I can, but there's nothing like having a daily dose at my disposal.
Was there any note saying they had just been granted their freedom? If you notice, the elder sister's nail are dirty. Meaning she was still involved in labour and the younger sister's hand on the chest and expression sent a message of uncertainty to me.
More detail and fact about Dido Elizabeth Belle :
(The movie "Belle" sadly was quite the opposite of Real Dido's life) although loved, Dido's real life was actually really different from the movie, especially compared to her actual Aristocratic cousin Lady Elizabeth.
1. Dido's last name is Belle not Lindsay, her father Sir John Lindsay didn't acknowledge her or give her his last name. Instead she used her mom's last name Belle, her mom Maria Belle was actually alive and was given property by John Lindsay, some said she lived in a well to do area in Pensacola, Florida and live into her 50s. Maria was 14 yo child slve when she got pregnant by Sir John, she was the one who baptised Dido in Bloomsbury church record.
2. her naval officer father, Sir John Lindsay didn't left Dido a single penny upon his death (he bequeathed £1000 to be divided among 2 of his other illegitimate children), her great uncle Lord Mansfield only gave Dido £500 and £100 annuity, a fraction compared to what her cousin Lady Elizabeth who was given in total £40,000.
3. Dido's father had 5 other illegitimate children from 5 different women and none by his lawful wife.
4. Dido eventually married a French servant called John daviniere at the age of 32 after lord Mansfield had died.
5. Lady Elizabeth actually married 8 years before Dido. at 25yo she left Kenwood and married George Finch-Hatton, an heir to Earl of Winchilsea and Earl of Nottingham, nephew to Lady Mansfield. George had an income of £20,000 pound a year and 2 huge mansions.
6. Dido actually worked in the poultry yard and dairy, as noted by the American visitor, Dido also did minor errands for her great uncle and was noted being called upon this and that. some expert said this would made her wearing fancy dresses quite impractical since it would get dirty and ruined. Although dido attended many duties suitable for women of the gentry, Lady Elizabeth did not do any of those duties at all. Lady Eliz was given an allowance of £100 a year, while Dido received about £20 a year, which might further limited Dido's choice of clothing compared to her rich cousin's clothing. Dido was also given a room and desk, some expensive medicine. (although Eliz was given the best room in between lord and Lady Mansfield, Dido's room was on the servant floor)
7. In the movie Dido was shown playing piano better than Elizabeth, but in real life Lady Eliz was actually renowned in the family as almost an expert pianist and she liked to composed her own tune, this was noted by her stepmom's cousin, Mary Hamilton when she visited Kenwood House and later in her old age by Jane Austen.
8. Dido would have never met Real John Daviniere like in the movie, because Real John Daviniere was merely a servant and a valet not remotely a lawyer, he wouldn't even cross path with Dido as he didn't even work at Kenwood House, so it was unclear how they met. The movie elevated John daviniere into an aspiring abolitionist lawyer.
9. Lady Elizabeth's father (7th Viscount Stormont) is to inherit everything, their parents loved each other deeply, it was the love story of the time, then her mother died young, her father was so heart broken he kept his wife's heart in a gold vase and take that vase everywhere for 10 years until he remarried (there is a monument for her at Scone Palace, where he also wanted his heart to be buried too). Her father was also an Ambassador so he can't provide Elizabeth with stable upbringing so he arranged for his uncle Lord Mansfield and his 2 unmarried sister to take care of Lady Elizabeth at Kenwood House, the house which he will inherit after Lord Mansfield's death.
10. Lady Elizabeth's father would regularly visit Lady Elizabeth and his 2 unmarried sister at Kenwood House. Lady Eliz would also regularly visit her father and her stepmom in their home, they were quite close, Lady Eliz would name her daughter after her stepmom.
11. In 1784, Lady Elizabeth went to a Royal Ball with her stepmom Lady Stormont and father when she was about 24yo, Her stepmom Lady Stormont was personally invited by the prince regent, Dido sadly wasn't invited.
12. Dido position in the household was awkward to say the least, being illegitimate and daughter of enslaved woman definitely hurt her position and inheritance, as she wasn't allowed to dine with guest said the American visitor account in 1779, recently more fact found in Mary Hamilton's diary when she visited Kenwood later in 1784, she was never mentioned Dido despite hamilton mentioning everyone even the parish priest, this indicates that she never saw Dido, but we know from her diary that Dido didn't join the family or Lady Elizabeth to church.This was weird as in Mary Hamilton has become the cousin of the Mansfields, Lady Mansfield's lifelong friends also didn't mention Dido but they mentioned ELizabeth. (Dido was further excluded by Royal balls and parties that Elizabeth attended)
13. Lord Mansfield actually didn't admit to the American Visitor in 1779 that Dido was his great niece, there was complication that the American Visitor thought Dido was his mistress, Lord Mansfield also didn't refer to Dido as his nieces in his 1793 will written by himself unlike how he referred to Lady Elizabeth as his dear niece. ( although some gossip or news of the day did report that the mulatto (Dido) was the natural daughter of Sir John Lindsay, but evidently Lord Mansfield himself didn't really acknowledge Dido publicly to American visitor or in his will).
14. Although Dido and Elizabeth were close during their time at Kenwood, It appeared that Dido and Lady Elizabeth eventually lost contact after Eliz got married, both headed in different directions, Lady Elizabeth to her aristocratic life and Dido to her own married life. Dido and John eventually moved to Ranelaegh street in Pimlico in a newly built house costing £200, Pimlico at that time was on the outskirt of London, her neighbour and friend Martha was a dairy maid from Kenwood, Martha was also the witness to Dido and John's marriage.
15. After Dido died at the age of 43, John Daviniere remarried to a white woman named Jane Holland and have 2 more children by his second wife.
16. Dido's last descendant died out in 1975, while Lady Elizabeth's descendants are still the present day Earl of Winchilsea and Earl of Nottingham, her descendants included the famed Denys George Finch-Hatton (his story was made into a movie named "Out of Africa" starring Meryl Streep), English actress Anna Chancellor (from her grandson Murray Finch-Hatton, 12th Earl of Winchilsea)
Thanks for the background info. I enjoyed the film but figured that the story was changed to make it “more exciting” for viewing audiences. Now I know that my hunch was correct. That doesn’t in the least change my deep admiration for the painting and for Dido Elizabeth Belle who made art history by likely being the first Black woman to be portrayed as a real (and very beautiful) woman and not as some grotesque caricature as was common at the time.
This was a fabulous episode! It was marvelous to see a woman and girls of color treated with such dignity in art at a time when horrible, racist caricatures of Black people were the norm. It’s so sad that Emma Jones died in childbirth at such a young age! I can only imagine what her career as an artist might’ve been like if she’d lived.
The painting with Dido Belle has been a favorite for such a long time. I just wish that she could’ve known how important the portrait that she posed for with her cousin has become in art and British cultural history. She would’ve been very pleased.
As someone whose GGG grandmother was a slave ,born into slavery and emancipated in 1835 ,I found the commentator to be using woke talking points .
I'm sure you won't mind if I copy/paste this bio to tape Dido's bio to the back of my copy of the pic. 🙏
I'm sure Dido was forced to leave Kenwood House after Lord Mansfield's death. Young women stayed with their family until marriage. 100 pounds per year was not to leave her destitute, but a middle class living. She seemed to possibly have lived as a servant/not servant whose presence was hidden and a source of embarrassment that she was never allowed to forget by the adults. To paraphrase Dickens ' It was the best of times and the worst of times. for her.
So fascinating. I love the painting of the two sisters. they look so much alike. I also love the ending with the Dido Belle honor at the end.
The dido painting is SO mesmerizing! cute how Dido seems so playful and cheeky :) .
I saw the movie version of Dido Bell's story and immediately recognized the painting and the story behind it. I was sadden when I saw the plaque did not mention her. How, I pleased to see that Lady Mansfield had a new one made to feature Dido..
The most enjoyable voyage of discovery in all of the ‘Fake or Fortune/Perspective’ series I have viewed to date.. and handled with such awareness of importance. 👍👍
@42:59 Since mention of the Friends Meeting House opens the possibility of Emma Jones being a member of the Socety of Friends, i.e. a Quaker, there could be more information about her in the Monthly Minutes of that Meeting that could help identify the children in the painting.
What a tragedy the suffering my people have endured at the hands of pure demons, and still WE rise.
being whitewashed and devoid of black african culture is not "Rise"
AMEN
As a Native American I have learned that millions have suffered , they come in all colors and suffered at the hands of peoples in different colors and time periods. We cant move forward until we recognize no ones hands are clean.
@@jennifferwalton3345 girl bye. I give 3 fucks about you or your "native people". Mind your white business.
No you don't, their ideas are implanted in your head.
Almost all the metrics you use to evaluate, measure or describe something or someone is theirs .
You've gotten rid of the chains on your limbs but the chains are still on your mind ( mentally) social engineering and indoctrination is there .
FYI you used words like ( suffering, tragedy) these are emotional words for ppl who really have no plan .
No victorious person physically or mentally uses those words , they are the ones inflicting the suffering on others . An example of how they are still in your head .
The two children one is riveting! Those eyes!!
Wonderful episode. Emma’s story, the ladies association, the art capturing our hair and skin and ultimately our relevance. Love this episode! The info about the subjects and artists and how their stories intertwine is uplifting
I agree with the lady about how we see children as innocent human-beings of importance besides seeing them as subjects for slavery! This artist saw them as equals. So I know for a fact that she was against slavery by looking at this portrait and she also acknowledged their beautiful homeland.
The painting is obviously of two sisters, their emotions are very frank and transparent. The older girl is looking heavenward to say "Thank God." and the younger child, hand on heart, seems to say:"Thank you" to the viewer. I think that we can assume that the people she is thanking, with her direct stare and large eyes, is the Abolitionist Ladies. Well done Emma Jones!
😅🙄
As a mixed race person, she is NOT just “black” but indeed mixed. Mixed children represent both their parents contrary to the “one drop rule”.
The Best 💞 of Both
Yet the world only viewed her as a black girl. And treated her as such. Never forget that!
@@Haneefrjordanyeah it was a few hundred years ago
@@SamuelLanderos-xr6ue that doesn’t negate the facts. It still happens today. You could have kept that comment to yourself.
If it's truly best of both worlds then why colonizers have the need to create race? Why does your politicians are hampering every movement forward for humanity? Why are policies continues the same oppressive outcomes to these days?
This was a very MOVING episode. Stunning.
What a fascinating documentary. These two paintings are absolutely lovely. Both women in Martins paintings were beautifully done. The image of Dido is wonderful, her expression and smile are priceless and what a pretty girl. She is smiling at us through the ages. Regally dressed in such finery, she looks happy. You could tell that she was well taken care of and loved by her family. There is a lot of symbolism in that painting. The other painting of the ‘Two Negro girls with a book’ blew me away. It was such a moving tender beautifully rendered work of art. The book, the clothing and the tropical trees in the background say it all. The clues were right there of the clothing and book drive but who knew? What moved me most was the facial expressions of these lovely children. They could be the children running around in my own neighborhood. Miss Jones was an amazing artist. Good work with the investigation. Thank you for this video.
Emma Jones was so gifted an artist at such a young age. Capturing the vision in the eyes is the hardest thing in painting. Is the young girl clutching a piece of jewelry. The other painting of Miss Belle, she has such an expression on her face as if to say "are you surprised about something?"... Both beautiful pieces of history. Thank you for solving mystery. 🌹🏴🌴🇺🇸🇺🇸
Both paintings are beautiful works of art and so very culturally important.
How are they important? Exactly? Maybe not so important, eh? Maybe not. No. Not at all.
How are they culturally important? Can you explain where writing that it’s culturally important isn’t arrogant lack of awareness?
@@kwimms to each is own.
@@theworkethic to each his own.
@@TheArtfulAddict Oh look, whites decided to paint coloured people not as slaves so we have been finally recognized as being human. It’s so important that oppressor recognizes me, so it must be very culturally important. Said no person of colour. Clearly only someone having no connection to the culture would say it’s very “culturally important” and then say “to each their own” as if the doesn’t just signify the ignorance even more.
This was awesome! I don't know a thing about art, but what a great lesson! And it's amazing how many records there are in the world, buried in books, libraries, and private collections, all over the world!
The *awe* Dido and Eliz evokes is an inadvertent *recognition* of European/British imperialism and its malevolent ramifications. The piece is glorious.🖤
Great episode. These special paintings are British treasures.
Those pictures are so beautiful, particularly of the one of the two sisters. I would love to have that picture because I find it just compelling, the expressions in their eyes is just mesmerizing
WOW 🤩 Philip and Fiona these two paintings are now so inexplicably known .....thanks to your intelligence and thorough investigation methods.....I’m amazed by Dido as o recently watched the movie 🎥 made in Britain 🇬🇧.....it’s one of my favourite movies Many Thanks 😊
Much love as always @Historings 🎨🥰🎨🥰🎨🥰🎨🥰🎨🥰🎨
The elder sister had dirty nails (labour). I got the feeling of gratitude and relief from her. The younger sister gave me a feeling of uncertainty or should I say vulnerability. The hand on her chest made me think she was asking, “This security, is it real, how long?" Just my opinion. Beautiful painting.
Dido Bell was a very loved young lady is for sure.
Probably the most important episode of this series.
The fluid in the young sisters eyes is amazing, what an absolutly beautiful painting . As i had a second good look a younger girl representing the elders younger self with a bible, and hope. ❤
This was a fascinating episode. Certainly the most interesting one I’ve seen. In particular, the publication of the report by the Ladies’ Society in the same year, and the exact elements mentioned therein. So exciting to watch them find the artist, and then discover that not only is the painting’s subject politically radical, but the artist too was quite unusual for the time. Also fascinating was how Lady Dido Bell slowly lost her identity as her relatives died, and racism and the passage of time transformed a beloved family member into “a negro attendant”. I find it odd that Dido Bell had more recognition and respect as an owned person than as a free one, and more respect as a living person than as an historical figure. (Forgive the awkward wording, I didn’t want to leave spoilers!)
some expert said that Dido was meant to be Elizabeth's friend and companion ( maybe even her ladies maid or personal attendant)
but idk why it changed, but she was kinda more of lord Mansfield's attendants.
presumably Lady elizabeth didn't want a personal attendant
There's a movie on it that was filmed a decade ago
@@Heyu7her3 that movie was the opposite of Dido's real story though
Problem here is that One is what white people say One is. Even if unfair and disrespectful.
@@sherei9530 black people would say Bridgerton is real
The cousins have a very clear similarity in their eyes, noses, mouths, and face shape...
I'm a portrait photographer and I love old photos. People's family photo walls are one of my favorite things. Through this episode I've fallen in love with portraits in paint. I really enjoyed this episode. How fun to follow this.
Are any descendants of either Dido or Elizabeth living today? Such a beautiful picture! Great show.
Dido last known descendants died in 1970s in South Africa. Elizabeth had huge number of descendants, the present Earl of Winchilsea still her descendants, Actress Anna chancellor, etc. ( her direct descendants were also descended from Jane Austen's rich brother, Drexel, Vanderbilt, etc) her great grandson Denys Finch Hatton was the lover of Karen Blixen immortalized in her book "out of Africa" and then movie of the same name with Meryl Streep
@@samanthasmith61 Yes, a good looking family, no wonder they had Robert Redford play Denys Finch-Hatton. I am happy to have a first American edition of Out of Africa, because the used bookshop did not know Isak Dinesen was Karen Blixen's pen name.
John Lindsay had more children in Jamaica where he owned slaves.
I doubt they knew about Dido.
Those descendants are in Jamaica.
As an art nerd this was fascinating.. I did notice that Charlies uncle purchased the painting in France.. Why didn't Fiona and Phillip put two and two together when Emma married a Frenchman?
Because the "Frenchman" was a Belgian celebrity chef in London
The sincerity and humbleness of the young ladies shine through!
The young Queens of African Decent in the Emma Jones portrait, whose gazes were described as content and "a challenge", seem to reveal tears in their eyes to me.
Both paintings are absolutely stunning!
Am I the only one who read E Jones 1831 from the start? I didn't think it was unclear at all, but I guess in person it must have been? (Either way, great episode, lovely paintings)
sally greenfield... 😂 I saw "Jones... 1831" right off! ...
But... I thought that was too simple... and was sure the owners had already "researched" and ruled that out!... 🤣 I guess not!
Same here, that’s what I thought also. Lovely story behind the painting.
Thank you, thank you. This episode was your very best. So heart rending, touching, moving, and so very important. Had tears in my eyes throughout most all of it all, as I'm sure many others viewing this. I do so pray that others understand the meaning and importance of these portraits. Sadly, things seem to be turning back with racism returning. But Bless you both !!
Racism has never left but throughout it's lifetime we find the generation Z the least prejudice in history. All things works together for good.
That's the point... to get some fake emotional response from your sorry life.
@@kwimms😭😭😭😭😭 Maybe , just perhaps, it's YOUR sorry life that is the issue! 😂
Wow... This is so interesting, trying to trace back the history of a painting just to have an authenticity in Identifying the real painters.
I'm so drown to Emma Jones paintings.... Wow, it's so unfortunate she died at a very early age, she could have been a well known artist
Great episode indeed
Thank you for this very informative presentation. Both paintings are beautiful and revealing . One would be so fortunate to possess such masterpieces. As a person with no real art knowledge, I was immediately impressed with both paintings for their realistic depictions of life in another era. The Two Negro Girls painting touched my soul
As an African American, I feel I know these girls. As a matter of fact, I know young girls that could have been the subjects of this painting. Thank you again for this. Please continue to highlight great but lesser known artists.
The Scottish National Gallery certified the Dido and Elizabeth was done by David Martin.
Martin’s self portrait, so true and casual, seems in line with the playfulness in the painting of Dido and her cousin. There is a gentleness to his art which is welcoming when compared the classical, chiseled style of painting of the other artist.
@@jeanneratterman Also, the detail on the fabric in his self portrait is very much within the style he used.
Thank you for this wonderful story of talent and love.
I’m so glad I watched this. I learned a bunch of things!!
I felt teleported back into time. So glad I came across this video.
I enjoyed this! Belle is one of my favorite movies. I love history, especially black history.
the movie was 90% lies and actually polar opposite to Dido's real life
And Dido isn't black history. It's just History!
You're probably some weird American.... always labelling things.
Dido & Lady Elizabeth painting beautiful .. inspired movie Belle wonderful Thank you for both inspiring works of art
I just love this show. I am always gripped throughout each episode.
Charlie's painting by E.Jones is stunningly beautiful the female artist was brilliant and superbly clever she knew how to capture her subjects with clarity while sparking socially conscious issues within the painting.....
Absoultely unique !! 💜💜
The portrait of D.Bell and Lady Elizabeth is striking and very
unusual during the time period in which it was painted. The artist painted the subjects in styles of the time revealing quite a bit about their status a real historical treasure!💜💜
Artist through out history have been known to record their art in many ways these two paintings prove the importances of docunenting and recording artifacts.....what was obsure is now in full view 👁️👁️
Thank you !
"What do you take me for?!?! I'm an art dealer! I HAVE the clothes." Loved that line. Anyway, fascinating research!
Talk about satisfying - knocking it out of the park TWICE in one episode, incredible!
I am an artist. I just stumbled on this looking for something else, and I'm glad I did! This is a fascinating video! It is a beautiful amalgam of art, history, science, politics, women artists, abolishinist and women sufferagist movements. AMAZING!
I love this episode, you guys make this world brighter!
Thank you, this was fascinating and so historical. Great episode and so important to England's history.
The children painting touched me so much I cried, reminds me of me and my little sister
my favorite episode so far! Fascinating story, loved Emma Jones! Surprised that the owner wasn't as ecstatic as we all are!
I love Fake or Fortune! It is fascinating to see inside the world of fine art! Thanks for taking us on this adventure!
Great outcome, I agree these paintings needed their own full episode each, but small steps are taken still today. I just saw Kehinde Wiley's collection at the museum today, he is the great American master painter of only black sitters painted in the classical style with William Morris inspired floral motifs, as far as I know he is the only contemporary master artist paving the way , small steps still today.
I also recently found Kehinde and his work. AMAZING! 😍
Both of these works of art were just that. Beautifully painted. The portrait of the two young girls I personally find incredibly appealing. I think it a great shame that Emma's works are not regarded in the same light as other artists of her day. She clearly had exceptional talent. As with most things, I suspect she is underrated simply because she was a woman, rather than a reflection of her skill.
her skill is subpar... you do know in Art world, art spoke for themselves, so get rid of your internal inferior complex and bigotted misandrist
I just can't get over the portrait of the sisters. 💜. I just love it so much. I wish to someday see it in person
Wonderful. Thank you. 👏🏽🙌🏽✨
This video came up in my feed. Thank you CZcams!! This was fascinating and so.interesting and relevant!! I am a big History buff but never really put into perspective the part Art plays in retelling every aspect of story telling in history. Thank you for opening my eyes. I am now a proud subscriber!! 😊
So much positive energy coming from the paintings, the artists, the sitters and who they were within the slavery imagery they've just identified. I'd proudly hang either painting on display! 💚
The 1831 portrait looks like those pious saints but modern. So modern. Fantastic paintings ❤
I love this show. Thank you Phillip and Fiona, and all involved. I enjoy the overhead shots of the cars on their way through the UK countryside.
Emma Jones 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 what a woman!
This is a great episode and the paintings are beautiful!
This was such an awesome presentation; educational, informative and entertaining. Well done! Too often, works of art are only given a fleeting glance with little thought of the story and effort that they entail. I hope to make some amends for this on my part by giving time to shows like this.
Excellent art and episode. Thoroughly enjoyed the sentiment in both.
The painting of the two black children is on display at the Tate in Britain.
Both pictures are beautiful. Belle's story is quite interesting.
The 2nd picture is utterly beautiful. I agree the young one is trying to convey something and I wish I knew what it was. It makes me smile and brings tears to my eyes.
Gorgeous episode. ❤❤❤
Fascinating and beautiful presentation!
Greetings from Metro Atlanta Georgia USA. This was a beautiful episode of your wonderful program.
Thank you for bringing these two amazing stories of these incredible art portraits to the online community. Bravo. 👏🏽
What lovely stories! Bravo, thanks for your amazing discoveries!
She is beautiful ❤
Absolutely fabulous episode.
Fantastic program. The painting are both exquisite. So glad that the artists have been identified. Well done. Thank you for this video along with the history of the times.
Well done, this was a beautiful documentary
Amazing discovery! Thank you!🙏🏽💖💚🌱💫
Fantastic episode. Entertaining and erudite. Great television. So rare.