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About this Man With No Trousers


His name was Captain Thomas Lee, and he served in the colonial forces in Ireland in the 1500s. He was accused of treachery to Elizabeth I, and in this rather odd painting, he is attempting to show his loyalty by appearing as an Irish soldier on the top and a Roman hero on the bottom. There is an inscription in the tree referring to a Roman soldier who had remained true to Rome even among his enemies.

This really is a sizable painting, and I find it a little odd that someone, especially an astute observer, would not notice the glowing legs beneath the armor. It was the first thing I saw when I entered the room at the Tate.

Painted by Marcus Gheeraerts, 1594.

Comments

dive said…
Hee hee.
Mea Culpa, Robyn. I admit to have walked past him probably a hundred times over the years and never been struck by his semi-nakedness.

In my defence, I will claim to have been distracted by the truly hideous Cholmondely Sisters painting that hangs beside him. That one always spooks me.

And I will also admit to having a good chuckle when both yourself and Mum walked into the gallery and exclaimed "That man's got no trousers on!"

Hee hee.
I'll certainly not look at him in the same way again.
8:22 AM
Anonymous said…
It would appear that he is "Challenged" in the dangly bit dept. otherwise it would be peaking out! Roman on the bottom.. what does that mean exactly (hee hee hee)
8:54 AM
Cheltenhamdailyphoto said…
I really must go back to London...
10:03 AM
Alifan said…
Oh Robyn so pleased you managed to find our trouser less man......you would have noticed Dive if it had been a woman....!!!!!!!I always thought I looked at mens eyes first...but obviously not!!!!!
11:39 AM
Gina said…
Yes, everything in the painting is emphasizing the "no pants" look.
12:09 PM
dive said…
MOTHER!
You women are incorrigible!
3:19 PM
Neponset River Bridge Dig said…
Gheeraerts is still alive? I actually enjoy walking around the house like this myself on occasion lets things air out.
9:46 PM
Scout said…
Dive, the sisters were indeed creepy, but the bright white legs trumps them.

Pru,...um...

Lynn, you really should, and stop by the Tate for a little ambling.

Alifan, so maybe you're a leg woman after all, eh?

Gina, in the UK, that would be "no trousers."

Rich, ew.
10:32 PM
Anonymous said…
Lynn - I wouldn't rush back - didn't you notice his limp wrist? This has to be a joke, surely.
Great post Robyn and I also enjoyed reading about your trip and seeing the wonderful photos that both you and Dive posted. Thank you.
6:26 AM
Cheltenhamdailyphoto said…
hmm the limp wrist does put me off... but staying in a hotel with chocolates on the pillow is something i've not done for...well too long. They should sell little models made out of chocolate of this trouserless man. How about that girls? mmmm! Yum?
7:39 AM
Neponset River Bridge Dig said…
Prudence - Roman on the bottom means... well just like it says.
11:09 AM
Terroni said…
I think Prudence has the quote of the day with...It would appear that he is challenged in the dangly bit dept.
1:30 PM
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