Modern Mona Lisa

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 124, 29 May 1944, Page 2

Modern Mona Lisa

‘ * The Mona Lisa of 1944 ’ ’ is a description of a magnificent portrait at this year’s Royal Academy exhibition in London, purchased within the first hour of the private viewing for £IOOO. It is by James Gunn, who painted his wife Pauline in a lemon yellow dress, seated with chin resting on one hand on her face, a half pensive, half quizzical smile.

Ono Royal Academician among dozens admiring the portrait said: “The expression on the sitter’s face is exquisite—dignity, repose, interest, all in A 50-yoars-old Glasgow man, Gunn painted in a hurry his 35 years-old brunette, petite, vivacious wife Pauline, who is mother of Chloe aged 13 and Paul aged 10. “When I’d finished I had no idea what price to put on it, nor did I think anyone would take great interest in it,” said Gunn. “I felt rather dcproc&ed about the picture and was astonished to find it sold so quickly.” It was bought by the Preston Corporation, Lancashire.

At the annual meeting of the Manawatu Co-operative Women’s Guild, Mrs. O. King, who presided, gave a comprehensive roport on the year’s activities and thanked all members for their mutual help. The election of officers resulted: —President, Mrs. J. Scott; vice-president, Mrs. \ . A. Christensen; secretary, Mrs. A. Jervis; treasurer, Mrs. L. Hastings; executive, Mesdames Oliver, Thompson, A. Mason, 1). Power, and Coleman; auditor, Mr. G. Brown; tea hostesses, Mesdames Christensen, Mason and Thompson. At a subsequoni meeting, the following resolution was carried unanimously: “That this Guild heartily endorse the Plunket Society’s domestic aid scheme.”