In researching, I read about a historical figure who wanted his portrait done blemishes and all. Until then, when I'd looked at paintings from the past I'd assumed they were exact portrayals of the subject.
Would you patron an artist who didn't make you look your best? Personally, I'd want my money's worth.
A skilled artist could remove quite a lot of imperfections.
The portrait of the younger Lord Byron, painted by Elisabeth Vigee-Le Brun, may be an instance where the artist changed her subject a bit. However, the early picture of the poet is not an example of the artist's best work either.
Vigee-Le Brun was extremely skilled and prolific, however. She was also a favorite of Marie Antionette and did many portraits of her.
http://www.biography.com/people/elisabeth-vig%C3%A9e-le-brun-37280
Would you patron an artist who didn't make you look your best? Personally, I'd want my money's worth.
A skilled artist could remove quite a lot of imperfections.
The portrait of the younger Lord Byron, painted by Elisabeth Vigee-Le Brun, may be an instance where the artist changed her subject a bit. However, the early picture of the poet is not an example of the artist's best work either.
Vigee-Le Brun was extremely skilled and prolific, however. She was also a favorite of Marie Antionette and did many portraits of her.
http://www.biography.com/people/elisabeth-vig%C3%A9e-le-brun-37280
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