Sketch for 'St John Leading Home his Adopted Mother'
Artist
William Dyce
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1806 - 1864)
Datec.1844
Mediumoil on board
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsSight Size: 27.2 x 35.2cm (10 11/16 x 13 7/8in.)
Frame Size: 44.5 x 59.5 x 5.3cm
Frame Size: 44.5 x 59.5 x 5.3cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1948.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003200
Other Titles- Sketch for 'St John Leading The Virgin From The Tomb'
This study is particularly charming in the way that it conveys St John's tenderness to Christ's grieving mother. It depicts a tender moment: St John takes on a more supportive role, standing slightly behind Mary, his head leaning towards her and his face showing concern. In the final composition he seems more reserved and this increase of both physical and psychological distance between the two figures heightens the effect of loss.
The oil paint in the background of this study appears to have been removed with a blunt object. This would suggest that Dyce, having painted in a background and disliking it, scratched it from the surface.
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Some of the background paint has been removed by a blunt object, suggesting that Dyce disliked what he'd first painted there
William Dyce
William Dyce
