This 1897 portrait, by the famous American artist John Sargent, is of a Mr. and Mrs. Stokes. It’s unusual for the era, with Edith Stokes front and center in casual street clothes, while her husband Newton takes a more passive background position.
I love the dynamic, with the wife full of life and confidence in the center, while he adopts a neutral, almost servant like position. The same dynamic and energy captured in a modern photograph wouldn’t look out of place on my femdom social media feed.
According to this article it was originally supposed to be a more traditional painting, featuring her in an evening gown standing alone near a small table. It was Sargent’s idea to switch to street clothes and pose her petting a Great Dane.
But when the dog became unavailable the day Sargent went to fetch it, it was Newton himself who, as he writes, “had a sudden inspiration, and offered to assume the role of the Great Dane in the picture”
Given the dynamic of the picture, and the fact the husband was inspired to take the role of a dog / supporting accessory in the picture, one can’t help but wonder if there was a hint of femdom in their relationship. This article on the pictures expresses the view…
Newton was ahead of his time, confident and secure enough to be relegated to the literal shadow of his wife.
Which may well be true, but it might also be true that he actively enjoyed that role.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful portrait!
And yes, it’s easy to imagine them in a modern femdom marriage!
CK
Glad you enjoyed it! I’ve obviously no idea what their relationship was really like, but it’s fun to guess given the image and the story behind it 🙂
-paltego
Shame he didn’t have some puppy play gear on, or maybe he does, but we can’t se it!
When he volunteered to replace the dog, I doubt he meant it quite that literally 🙂
-paltego
I have to say she has the “vibe”, you know what I mean…