Since our foundation in 1824, the collection has grown and developed through the support of countless individuals who have made gifts in their wills. Their support has resulted in the acquisition of 854 paintings for the nation.
Of the Gallery’s 27 works by women, one-third have been acquired because of these acts of generosity. Most recently, The Full-length Mirror by Eva Gonzalès (1849‒1883) was purchased thanks to the legacies of Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver and Ms Sheila Holmes.
Historically, and certainly during Gonzalès’s lifetime, women artists faced many obstacles and had limited opportunities to advance their artistic careers. Those who succeeded in spite of these challenges did so through their determination and talent. Still, few were represented in the private collections of the era during which the national collection was first formed.
Many of the Gallery’s works by female artists were among paintings that were later transferred to Millbank when the National Gallery of British Art (now Tate) was formed in 1897. As a result, Gonzalès is the 27th woman to be represented at the Gallery. 'The Full-length Mirror' is only the second of her works to be held by a UK public collection. The work is currently on display in Room 44 next to Edouard Manet’s (1832‒1883) portrait of Gonzalès, which was the subject of a recent Gallery exhibition, Discover Manet and Eva Gonzalès, that explored the relationship between the two painters.
From 1869, Gonzalès was Manet's only official pupil and exhibited alongside him in Paris at the Salon. The two artists painted similar subjects, though Gonzalès focused on domestic scenes – a sphere that was considered suitable for women painters.
The work depicts a woman contemplating her reflection, modelled by the artist's sister Jeanne (1852‒1924) who was also an artist. With constraints on women attending life drawing classes, they were often limited to using family and friends as their models. In this way, the painting not only serves as an extraordinary example of Gonzalès’s skilful brushwork but also a mirror into the lives of women artists of the time.
It is even more touching that it was the generosity and foresight of three women that enabled this work to enter the national collection. In their wills, Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver and Ms Sheila Holmes all specified that their legacy should support the Gallery’s picture purchase fund to continue to inspire the thousands of daily visitors who come through our doors.
Sheila specifically intended to support the growth of our Impressionist holdings, which had always moved her, and we are honoured to be able to fulfil her wish. Gillian also believed fervently in the power of art to move and enlighten people and so dedicated her legacy to her mother, Ethel Marie Cleaver. Ethel had been an artist herself and spent many happy hours in the Gallery.
Acquisitions like this one enable us to expand our collection in exciting ways and share new stories about their making and meaning for the enjoyment of our visitors, free of charge. Already, 'The Full-length Mirror' has been viewed by over 1.5 million people thanks to the legacies of Martha, Gillian and Sheila.
We would like to thank the late Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver and Ms Sheila Holmes for their generosity, as well as all those who have left a gift in their will to the National Gallery. Gifts in wills play an important role in the Gallery’s activities. No matter how small or large, legacy gifts have the power to help us care for, grow and share the nation’s collection to ensure it is there for everyone, always.
If you would like to learn more about supporting the Gallery in this way, please contact our Legacy Manager, Meredith Loper, via email: Meredith.Loper@nationalgallery.org.uk, or telephone: 020 7747 5982.
Alternatively, additional information, including our legacy film, is available to watch on our website: nationalgallery.org.uk/support-us/leave-a-legacy
