Boys and Buoys

Artist Archibald David Reid (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1844 - 1908)

Datec. 1878

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 61.5 cm, Width: 101.6 cm
Frame: Height: 90.5 cm, Width: 131.4 cm

AcquisitionAlexander Macdonald Bequest, 1901.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Loan

Object numberABDAG003131

Keywords

About Me"Boys and Buoys" is one of the many paintings bequeathed by Alexander Macdonald from his personal collection. Though one cannot help but feel that Archibald Reid was rather pleased with this painting (its playful title and juxtaposition of buoys and boys), the numbering of buoys would have been a very commonplace activity in all fishing communities.

The dark cliffs lashed by a heavy sea are an equally important part of the composition and Reid's rendering of these reflect his familiarity with the coastline of his native north-east Scotland. The scene is bleak, the sky heavy and although smoke blows from the chimneys of the huddled row of cottages, there is little evidence of human activity. It is nature, the sea and elements which are the dominant forces in this painting.

The subdued colours may reflect the influence of the Dutch artist Alexander Mollinger who for a short period was the teacher of Reid's brother George. The brothers worked together closely although Archibald seems to have been much overshadowed by the reputation of his older brother.

Though sharing none of the fluidity and freedom of the more innovative and fluent William McTaggart, Reid's broad technique and lack of detail in this painting show his awareness of these artistic developments.

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Aberdeen-born Reid was one of three artist brothers in a family of fifteen. The subdued colours of this coastline may reflect his time spent studying in the Netherlands.