Les Moulières, Villerville

Artist Robert McGregor (Bradford, England, 1847 - 1922)

Datec. 1902

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 142.5 cm, Width: 97.1 cm
Frame: Height: 187.6 cm, Width: 141.8 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1910 by Sir James Murray.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 10

Object numberABDAG002849

Keywords

Historic Title

The Mussel Gatherers

About MeRobert McGregor studied in Edinburgh and for many years found his inspiration in the Scottish fields. Later in his career he was inspired by visits to northern France. The location of this scene is a small Normandy fishing port, Villerville, which lies between Trouville and Honfleur.

Here the faces of the three figures are lit in a symbolic way - the child coming towards the light source, the mother in full light, the grandmother turned from it in part profile, her weathered features almost completely obscured. What might otherwise have been a simple Realist painting is transformed by McGregor into a metaphor for womanhood and the transient nature of life.

Adopted by Frances Carey.

To find out how to 'Adopt an Artwork' please email AAGMSupport-Us@aberdeencity.gov.uk
More About Me

Collections Wall

In Dublin's fair city / Where the girls are so pretty / I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone / As she wheeled her wheelbarrow / Through the streets broad and narrow / Crying "cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh"

Exhibitions

Gallery 10 - French Impressions