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Portrait of the Artist's Grandmother by James McBey
Portrait of the Artist's Grandmother
Portrait of the Artist's Grandmother by James McBey
Portrait of the Artist's Grandmother by James McBey

Portrait of the Artist's Grandmother

Artist (Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
Sitter (Newburgh, Scotland)
Date1901
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsMcBey
DimensionsOverall: Height: 49.2 cm, Width: 39.1 cm
Frame: Height: 64.1 cm cm, Width: 54.2 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1960 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationOn Display - Gallery 13
Object numberABDAG003082
About MeThis portrait of James McBey's grandmother was painted when he was only eighteen. He mentions in his autobiography that his grandmother 'wore habitually a grey Shetland shawl around her shoulders and a white linen 'mutch', a close fitting cap covering the head and ears, held tight by strings tied beneath the chin and leaving only the face exposed'. He goes on to describe that she also had a black lace 'mutch' which she was saving for a special occasion, that was still to present itself. She decided that this would be this occasion to wear it and so was disappointed when she discovered her grand son had painted it white instead.
More About Me
Here McBey paints his grandmother, Mary Gillespie, also of Newburgh. The harsh colours and her facial expression depict a hard-working woman.
Exhibitions