Mindy Lam Digital Catalogue - Flipbook - Page 10
At over seven feet tall, Portrait of Norah Gribble is among the largest portraits John Singer Sargent
painted, which is particularly fitting as Norah Gribble herself was said to be larger than life with
a feisty outsized personality and a commanding presence. This presence is on full display in the
portrait, as Norah engages the viewer with an alluring gaze.
Mindy’s choice of counterpart artwork is befitting of the aura that Norah seems to project. Beauty
that is at once elegant and striking, yet also unquestionably subtle in some respects. Norah’s
dark dress is quite formal and eye-catching; her jewelry is quiet and understated. We can note a
solitary diamond on one hand, and just peeking out from her slipper there appears to be a crystal or
rhinestone. Yet they still seem to understand the small supporting role they play, deferring to Norah
as the unquestionably lead character in the story.
In Mindy’s counterpart artwork we can see the same theme of respectful elegance. The jewelry is
simple in its hue, with the artist choosing from a blue palette attenuated just enough to carefully
avoid upstaging the dress, yet with a selection of rhinestones and crystals that unmistakably tell the
story of exquisite luxury and refinement. The silver lace in Mindy’s pieces is of an ethereal nature,
serving perhaps as a dance partner to the gossamer boa that Norah displays; both the boa and lace
are unquestionably light on their feet.
The gown that has been chosen to complement Mindy’s pieces is as stunning as the creations with
which it is paired. The dress is a Rubin Singer original, worn to an event by Taubman Museum of Art
Board of Trustee member Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo. The Singer dress has a navy-blue overskirt that
suggests possible lineage to the bustles that were popular in the late 1800s, as seen in Norah’s dress.
Both Norah’s dress and accessories as well as Singer’s design with Mindy’s lovely accoutrements are
formal attire that speak to the chicest of styles in their respective eras.
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Right: John Singer Sargent
(American, 1856-1925)
Portrait of Norah Gribble, 1888
Oil on canvas
Taubman Museum of Art
Acquired with Funds Provided by the
Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust,
2000.021
Opposite page (left to right):
Sterling Garden: Neck Piece
Silver copper wire, sterling silver,
Swarovski crystals, vintage rhinestones
Courtesy of a Private Collection
Sterling Garden: Cuff
Silver copper wire, sterling silver,
Swarovski crystals, vintage rhinestones
Courtesy of a Private Collection
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