Flatter Collection

Cromwell / Lely
OLIVER CROMWELL - Mr Lely, I desire you to paint my picture truly like me, and not flatter me at all; but remark all these roughnesses, pimples, warts & everything

Comic postcard, Tall woman and short man Date: 20th century

Gustave Dores Don Quixote: "Don Quixote was transported with joy to find himself where he might flatter his
6008344 Gustave Dores Don Quixote: " Don Quixote was transported with joy to find himself where he might flatter his ambition with the hopes of fresh adventures" (engraving) by Dore

Skull of a Canadian Flat-headed Dinosaur (b / w photo)
5995618 Skull of a Canadian Flat-headed Dinosaur (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Skull of a Canadian Flat-headed Dinosaur)

Return of the Troops from Egypt, Sketches in Advance (engraving)
1061151 Return of the Troops from Egypt, Sketches in Advance (engraving) by Ralston, William (1848-1911) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Return of the Troops from Egypt, Sketches in Advance)

Swimwear Circa 1960
Before the bikini: To flatter your figure this summer choose a swimsuit that has has the long-lasting elasticity which Lastex yarn provides... Date: circa 1950

German submarines in North Sea by G. H. Davis
The German submarines now operating against the British fleet in the North Sea. Sectional view of a German U-Boat, showing its flatter deck and boat-shaped appearance. 1914

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A comic postcard from the 20th century showcases a tall Cromwell-era woman proudly flattering her short companion, reminiscent of the Lely painting. Meanwhile, Don Quixote (Gustave Doré's engraving) rejoices in the prospect of new adventures, just as the flat-headed Canadian dinosaur skull (b/w photo) might have flattered its prehistoric ego. In contrast, Honore Daumier's French print "Ah. Ben le convoi peut se flatter de l'échapper" (The convoy can flatter itself with the idea of escaping) suggests a more cynical take on flattery, as seen in the return of troops from Egypt (engraving). Swimwear from the 1960s invited comparisons, while German submarines in the North Sea (G. H. Davis photo) might have tried to flatter their own invincibility. The spirit of flattery transcends time and context, from medieval chivalry to modern vanity, and even to the prehistoric world.