Una Maja Bonita

Artist John Phillip (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1817 - 1867)

Date1856

Mediumoil on board

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 48.2 cm, Width: 39.1 cm
Frame: Height: 68 cm, Width: 59 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1975 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 18

Object numberABDAG003026

Keywords

About MeIn 1851 - as a result of his own ill health brought on by his wife's mental breakdown - Phillip was advised to seek warmer climates and went to Spain for several months. The visit had a fundamental effect on the artist's work and led to the production of studies of Spanish life.

In this small portrait, Phillip captures the glamour of his swarthy model with sharp contrasts of light and dark. Her upright pose, with sideways glance, hints at her fiery temperament. The black silhouette of the sitter's fan all but covers her face in shadow. It is as if she is using the darkness it provides as a cover from which she can observe the spectator.

More About Me

Collections Wall

John Phillip was nicknamed “Spanish Philip” due to his many trips to Spain and his common subject matter being the love of Spanish life. Where do you love and what would your nickname be?

Exhibitions

Gallery 18 - People & Portraits