Sir James Murray

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

Sitter Sir James Murray (Scotland, 1850 - 1933)

Date1903

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 144.6 cm, Width: 85.8 cm
Frame: Height: 171.4 cm, Width: 112.9 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1903 by subscribers.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG002638

Keywords

About MeThe Aberdeen artist Robert Brough studied at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh and later travelled quite regularly through France and Spain and also the North of Africa. Notably, when in Paris with fellow Scottish artist Samuel J. Peploe, he began to employ the methods of the French Impressionists; resulting in his rather unique ability to capture fleeting expressions and moments in his works. While the Impressionists achieved this through emphasizing the importance of light, Brough used quite flamboyant and free, yet at the same time technical brushstrokes, to convey these emotions.

James Murray (1850-1933) inherited a very successful tannery from his father, and spent much of his profits on art. He acted as Chairman of the Aberdeen Art Gallery Committee from 1901-1928, during which time he supplied £5000 for the extension of the Aberdeen Art Gallery and even gave many of his own works of art to the gallery. In 1930 he offered the City Council £10000 to purchase Gray's School of Art, but died before this was ever able to happen.