Self Portrait (Early Photographs & Sketches)
Date1901
Mediumpencil sketch
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions17.6 x 12.5cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG008301.84
About MeThis is an early pencil study of James McBey's, depicting himself in the uniform he wore at the bank. It is the first of a series of three, the latter two of which (ABDAG008301.85 and ABDAG008301.86) are in ink and water colour, respectively. It is undated, but the second and third of the series are dated "31st Mch 1901" and "21st April 1901", respectively, so it is presumed that this pencil sketch was also produced around this time, perhaps a precursor given the relative simplicity of the pencil medium. The cast shadows on McBey's face are rendered roughly, almost cross-hatched as in the pendant ink sketch and considerably less fine in finish than the other pencil sketch produced around this time (that of his mother, ABDAG008301.89).
