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Past And Present by William Holman Hunt
Past and Present
Past And Present by William Holman Hunt
Past And Present by William Holman Hunt

Past and Present

Artist (London, England, 1827 - 1910)
Date1868
Mediumoil on canvas (integral back board)
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 61.2 cm, Width: 47 cm
Frame: Height: 86.2 cm, Width: 72 cm, Depth: 5 cm
AcquisitionBequeathed in 1941 by Mrs Taylor.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG002803
About MeIn 1868, on route to the Holy Land, William Holman Hunt stopped in Florence to oversee the completion of a memorial for his wife, who had died in childbirth there two years earlier. From Florence, he visited Naples, Salerno and Ravello. This painting, inscribed Ravello 1868, must have been started then.

Both women are supported by symbols of their good character. The crane in the mosaic decoration alludes to the old woman's loyalty and good life whereas the dog alongside the young woman is a symbol of fidelity. The chalice, to the right of the young woman, perhaps can be read as a symbol of her Christian faith.