Cocktails with a Curator: Holbein's 'Sir Thomas More'

In this week’s episode of “Cocktails with a Curator,” Xavier F. Salomon, Deputy Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator, examines one of the Frick’s most beloved paintings, Hans Holbein’s “Sir Thomas More.” Xavier considers More's relationship to humanist circles and the role of "friendship portraits" in making the absent present. In the words of More's devoted friend, Desiderius Erasmus, “life without a friend is no life." As a nod to the turbulent times of Tudor England, Xavier pairs this episode with a Bloody Mary cocktail.

Virtual programs have been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

[gloriapinskerportraits]

When one can stop looking at that amazingly lifelike face, the red velvet sleeves are so incredibly painted, they seem to glow from within! You can spend hours studying this masterpiece!

[juliehanns]

I love this painting of Sir Thomas Moore! It is so alive that it conveys a sense of his spirit and personality.

[b.runettepet]

What a fantastic talk. It brought even more life to a portrait I have always admired.

[TuckerSP]

I love the close up views of this extraordinary portrait. I have seen the painting in person many years ago at the Frick. Holbein is one of the most incredibly skilled portrait artists who ever lived. He does breathe life into every work, even the worn pencil sketches which survive today. Every element in the Thomas More is imbued with such skill and clarity you can almost feel the stubble on his face, touch the velvet and furs of his clothing. It's such a pity that the family portrait was lost. Thank you for your wonderful, lively analysis of this portrait.

[robertabaum]

Of course, Mr. Salomon is a brilliant historian but what I enjoy most is his engaging story telling. As listeners, we are quickly transported to the 16th century as we learn about Holbein’s portrait of Sir Thomas More. The portrait is a portal and Mr. Salomon an effective guide to the Middle Ages as we learn about Holbein, a popular painter, and Sir Thomas More as a family man, his friendships and thoughts. The disparity of time is erased.

[meggallucci]

Salomon is not just an art historian, he is a cultural historian. In that way, he renders this painting multidimensional, a brilliant approach to a flat object. I studied art history in grad school, and I wish this approach had been part of the curriculum. It is a lively approach and much more interesting.

[bevross]

wonderful lecture on Holbein and Thomas More. They live on. Thanks

[olinwilliams]

I can't tell you how many friends I have turned on to this wonderful series of Cocktails with a Curator!

[MaryZehnter]

I grew up with a copy of this painting in my childhood home! My mother admires Sir Thomas More. Excellent paring by the way!

[SteveNapSchwegler]

Xavier has an interested, and engaging way in these presentations. His speech, thinking, and explanations are insightful and understandable. Let us not forget the support provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities which supports this series. These videos should become a model for all museums to follow to showcase their holdings and enrich the public’s understanding.

[meriamg]

This series is brilliant, and a light in these dark times. I can’t wait to visit the Frick in person when it’s safe to do so.

[sandraeugeni]

Many thanks again and again Xavier, you illuminate our darkest hour. Just because of your amazing lectures I became a Frick member and encouraged many friends to follow me. Your work deserves our support.

[sstg]

Stunning portrait of Thomas Moore. Thank You. My eyes go from his eyes to the red velvet sleeves, and back to his eyes.It takes my breath.

[Cbatkin]

Thank you so much for these vids. I am an artist and I used to work in museums, I have a spinal disability and my life was quarantine before this... I watch a lot of museum talks and discussions and this series makes me feel we're at an opening, rosé! tink! I hope you still do something like this every once and a while after the plague. You see now, how it is to be stuck home all day everyday. For some, this is daily life on the regular. Museum talks and tour videos are also appreciated, but being spoken to directly is um, really important engagement I think. Mm yes. I feel human. Thank you. Cheers.

[elizabethkiff]

Seeing the painting up close-wow. Thank you so much for this presentation.

[gillianpeebles]

This series gets better and better. I don’t know whether twenty minutes or so was pre-selected or was serendipitous but it’s the perfect length of time to explore a great work of Art and the cocktail makes it fun.

[lunabruna]

I thank you and The Frick Collection for this wonderful initiative. I’ve been a Frick visitor for years and today, so far away for I live in Costa Rica, and not knowing when I’ll be able to come again, this videos not only brighten up my confinement but teach me a lot about my favorite works of art and about others that I might had overseen. You are wonderful, precise and a pleasure to listen to. THe flowers behind you today are beautiful by the way.

[conniemiller]

Have spent lots of time in front of this painting; it is one of my favorites; extraordinary to see the details up close.
This series is a gift. Thanks to The Frick and curator Salomon for brightening our lives during these challenging times.

[danielnie]

An avid fan of art here, I've been tuning in since the start of the series and every episode has been an absolute pleasure to watch. The show deserves awards upon awards. Thank you to Xavier and everyone involved, your efforts don't go unappreciated.

[vernetify]

Would it not be lovely if all these talks were published as a beautiful book to remind us in the future of what we all looked forward to so much every week.