Dolly Crombie

Artist Robert Brough (Invergordon, Scotland, 1872 - 1905)

Datec. 1896

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsHeight: 128.7 cm, Width: 118.8 cm
Frame Size: 151.8 x 141.8 x 10.5cm

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG002637

Keywords

About MeAfter studying in Edinburgh and in Paris, Robert Brough spent three years painting portraits of the wealthiest members of Aberdeen society. He developed a particularly close relationship with the Crombie family, whose wealth had been founded on the production of woollen cloth.

The composition is based on Velazquez's famous portrait of Pope Innocent X (Rome, Doria Pamphili). Like Velazquez's sitter Theodora (or "Dolly"), Crombie appears to be a forbidding young lady. She has the most disturbing presence, one feels ill at ease in her company - this eldest child has a consciousness beyond her fourteen years. From his close friend John Singer Sargent, Brough adopted theatrical poses, dramatic lighting and flamboyant brushstrokes, all clearly visible in this ambitious work.

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The composition of this portrait was based on Diego Velazquez’s painting of Pope Innocent X. Have you seen any other paintings in the gallery based on the same work?