John Knox Dispensing the Sacrament - Sketch for the painting in John Knox's House, Edinburgh
Artist
William Dyce
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1806 - 1864)
Associated
John Knox
Date1850-1864
Mediumoil on panel
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 36.8 cm, Width: 56.2 cm
Frame: Height: 54.2 cm, Width: 73.7 cm
Frame: Height: 54.2 cm, Width: 73.7 cm
AcquisitionAlexander Webster Bequest, 1921.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003207
About MeThis oil sketch is close to the finished painting in John Knox's House, Edinburgh and varies in only a few details. Notably, here Knox holds the communion cup in his right hand making the blessing with his left hand and this is reversed in the finished version. Although portrait painting provided his bread and butter in Edinburgh, at this point in his career Dyce evidently was hoping to establish his reputation as a history painter. The scene depicts the occasion when Knox first gave communion according to the Calvinist rite, marking the Reformation of the Church in Scotland.
In subject matter and in style, Dyce has created a homage to David Wilkie (1785-1841) who dominated the field of history painting.
More About Me
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