Stewart Mott by Alice Neel

**OC Richard** · 10th March 12, 05:56 AM

Sometimes Highland Dress ends up in the "art world".

Alice Neel (1900-1984) was a well-known artist doing portraits in her unique quirky style in the 1940s through the 1970s.

Her most-known work is her 1970 portrait of Andy Warhol sitting on a hospital bed, shirt off and the huge cut in his chest and stitches visible.

In 1961 she painted this portrait of Stewart Mott. It came to my attention today because the entire kit Mott wore is now up for sale on Ebay. It can be seen that despite the distortions of her style Neel painted the kilt, sporran, and waistcoat quite accurately.

These two online versions show how inaccurate the colours we see on the computer screen can be, and how art needs to be seen in person

**mayberry** · 10th March 12, 04:48 PM

I looked at this- nice collection of highland wear for a good price, and the connection to the painting is a fun bonus. Unfortunately I'm not tall enough for a 28" drop.
Just to see if I could, I sleuthed out the tartan to be Stewart Ancient, at least based on the example here:
http://www.house-of-tartan.scotland....se/tfinder.htm

Presumably the Stewart connection is reflected in the first name of the painting's subject, Stewart Mott.

I see that there were no bids, and the collection has been relisted.
Cheers,
John

**MrShoe** · 15th March 12, 05:46 PM

I will let you know what it looks like when it arrives.

**MrShoe** · 22nd March 12, 02:22 PM

Here is a pic of the actual kilt - I would agree it is Stewart Ancient

**cessna152towser** · 22nd March 12, 02:49 PM

Nice kilt. One might describe the items as a Mottley collection of Highland Wear

.
Since the eBay auction appears to have ended with the item unsold I am guessing you did a good private deal with the seller. Congratulations!

**MrShoe** · 22nd March 12, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Nice kilt.
Since the eBay auction appears to have ended with the item unsold I am guessing you did a good private deal with the seller. Congratulations!

The seller re-listed with a lower reserve and got no bids.
So they re-listed this time for a 3 day auction with no reserve.
There was only one bid till the last 2min.

I was most interested in the Jacket to wear with my Saffron kilt. The kilt and Sporran were a bonus.

Thank you.

**creagdhubh** · 22nd March 12, 05:08 PM

Very interesting indeed! Do I see only two kilt straps and buckles on Stewart's kilt?

Cheers,

**MrShoe** · 22nd March 12, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Very interesting indeed! Do I see only two kilt straps and buckles on Stewart's kilt?

Cheers,

Yes, you do.
What they lack in quantity they more than make up for in length.
They extend 11" off each side.

**creagdhubh** · 23rd March 12, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by MrShoe

Yes, you do.
What they lack in quantity they more than make up for in length.
They extend 11" off each side.

I'm saying that can definitely be a good thing (depending on personal taste, of course), as the third hip strap and buckle is superfluous and like many other things, a 'hangover' from the military.

Cheers,