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Portrait of a Lady (The Artist's Wife)
Portrait of a Lady (The Artist's Wife)

Portrait of a Lady (The Artist's Wife)

Artist (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1806 - 1864)
Date1856
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: 92.2 x 71.4cm
Frame Size: 1126 × 927 × 105mm
AcquisitionPresented in 2010 by the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG017140
About MeThis is a fine example of the portrait style of artist William Dyce. Painted in 1856, it predates by just one year his Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece, 'Titian Preparing to Make His First Essay in Colouring'. The portrait has come to light only recently and is an exciting discovery of an unknown work by Dyce.

The sitter is thought to be Dyce's wife, Jane Brand and as a family portrait the painting has added interest and intimacy. Dyce married the 19 year old Jane Bickerton Brand in 1850. Accordingly, she would have been 25 when this picture was completed in 1856. Her father, James Brand (1796-1860), was a silk merchant and the sumptuous nature of her costume may reflect his business interests.

Although the portrait was painted six years after her marriage, this may be the dress Jane wore at her wedding. The costume detail focuses on the lace trimmings and veil which are Honiton lace and this forms a fascinating link to Dyce's role as the artist who was commissioned, in 1840, to design the lace for Queen Victoria's wedding dress. In wearing Honiton lace, Jane is following the fashion example of the Queen but is also honouring her husband, whose designs are credited with revitalising the Honiton lace industry.

More About Me
Dyce was born at 48 Marischal Street. The city of Aberdeen owns the largest collection of his works, and you can see more by visiting the Treasure Hub in Northfield.