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The Highland Ferryman by William Dyce
The Highland Ferryman
The Highland Ferryman by William Dyce
The Highland Ferryman by William Dyce

The Highland Ferryman

Artist (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1806 - 1864)
Date1857
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 51.1 cm, Width: 61.1 cm
Frame: Height: 78.1 cm, Width: 88.5 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1912 by Sir George Reid.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003212
Other Titles
  • Contentment
About MeThis painting, which was exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh in 1858 and at the Royal Academy in London with the title 'Contentment' one year later, is the first example of a new interest by the artist in genre subjects.

The rural character depicted, unlike most Dyce's previous subjects, is not contemporary, historical or religious, but a timeless figure who stands apart from the modern world.

Careful attention has been paid to the details of physiognomy and clothes: the knotted handkerchief around the neck, the patches at the elbow and knee and the grizzled whiskers. Dyce's vision lacks any social comment (unlike many Pre-Raphaelite works); he shows the poverty but also the Ferryman's way of life as peaceful, untroubled and in close communion with nature. The tonalities of the painting, in tune with the subject, are very restrained and subdued: mainly blues, greys and an almost colourless sky. Only the Ferryman's clothes are stronger in colour in order to focus the attention on the figure.
More About Me

What a contented looking chap. Perhaps a simpler life would be good for us all? Or is he content due to the bottle near his feet?