Masterpiece by English painter Reynolds purchased by the National Portrait Gallery

Acquisition Portrait of May (Omai), a painting by British painter Joshua Reynolds, collected the National Portrait Gallery (NPG). London’s Public Museum has raised £25 million with the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Arts Fund and other cultural institutions such as the Getty Museum in the US. The work was bought for 50 million pounds (56.4 million euros).

Mai (also known as Omai), depicts a life-size portrait of a young Polynesian barefoot, wearing a white turban and an oriental-inspired dress. It is considered one of the major works of Joshua Reynolds, whose 300th birthday is celebrated this year. NPG director Nicholas Cullinan realizes that “Most Important Acquisition” Made by the Museum.

The young man was met by explorers on an island near Tahiti and brought back to England by explorer James Cook in 1774, causing quite a stir. He spent three years in London, where he met King George III, invited him to the opening of Parliament and participated in literary evenings. He finally returned home in 1777.

Considered the epitome of the ‘savage nobility’ in 17th century Britain, the painting was the centerpiece of the ‘Reynolds Room’ at Castle Howard, which has been in the Earls of Carlisle family since the 1790s.

Shown to the public in June 2023

In 2001, the canvas was bought at auction by a London art dealer for £10 million (€16.5 million). Portrait of May (Omai) After three years of work, it will be on display to the public from June 22, marking the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery.

Works will also be on display.from time to time“In the United States from 2026, the NPG and Getty Museum said. The government previously banned the canvas from leaving the United Kingdom, which “Inextricably linked with great voyages of exploration and discovery“of the country. British historians supported the concept of acquisition Portrait of May (Omai) Can help England”We must examine its past and understand who we are as a nationIn recent years, the country has come to terms with its colonial past and its involvement in slavery.