Self Portrait (Early Photographs & Sketches)
Date1901
Mediumwatercolour study
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions13.7 x 11.8cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG008301.86
About MeThis is an early water colour study of James McBey's, depicting himself in the uniform he wore at the bank. It is the third of a series of three, the first and second of which (ABDAG008301.84 and ABDAG008301.85) are in pencil and ink, respectively. It is dated on the reverse as "21st April 1901". His somewhat inhibited handling of water colour betrays the artist's relative inexperience with this medium, but the self portrait nonetheless demonstrates a precocious ability, especially in the variegated light and texture captured in the jacket and hair.
