Noon

Artist James Cowie (Cuminestown, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 1886 - 1956)

Date1946

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 57 cm, Width: 57 cm
Frame: Height: 69.6 cm, Width: 69.4 cm

AcquisitionThe Scottish Arts Council Bequest, 1997.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG013537

PLAQUE017

Keywords

Landscape

About MeCowie looked to early Renaissance artists for his inspiration and his paintings reflect the high degree of finish and light tonality of the Italian masters. He upheld classical values of self-restraint and objectivity and there is a clarity and honesty to all of his work.

The male figure in this composition was based on a little plasticine model of a satyr that Cowie owned. The satyr seems to float beside the girl who is deep in slumber suggesting that he is a figment of her dreams. The back view of the satyr is reflected in a mirror, suspended mysteriously above the sleeping girl and is a recognised devise used by the Surrealists to create spatial ambiguities.
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Cowie took inspiration from early Renaissance painting - his paintings reflect the high degree of finish and light tonality of the Italian masters.