Head of a Soldier - Study for The Landing of Mary, Queen of Scots at Leith

Artist Sir William Allan (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1782 - 1850)

Datec.1826

Mediumsanguine and black chalk on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 20.3 cm, Width: 16 cm
Frame: Height: 40 cm, Width: 55.5 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1965.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003286

Keywords

About MeThis chalk drawing is a preparatory study for the oil painting "The Landing of Mary, Queen of Scots at Leith, 19th August 1561" (1826-7). Like Sir Walter Scott, Allan illustrated the defining moments of Scotland's past with an all-star cast of historical figures. In this painting, the much-loved Queen Mary returns to Scotland after thirteen years of absence. But despite her celebrity, Allan renders the thronging crowds in as much detail as he does the Queen, presenting history as he often did: through the lived experience of ordinary people. For this he employed a great number of "extras", four of whom are held in the Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Collections: a bugle boy, who announces Mary's arrival; a peasant man, who swoons at the sight of his long-lost Queen; a steel-clad Gaul, whose patience is tried by the two impassioned pipers to his right; and a bewildered little girl, who sucks her finger amidst all the commotion. The depth and variety of character in this painting results from Allan's use of live models. This was perhaps his greatest legacy as an artist; under his leadership as Master of the Trustees' Academy, drawing from life became an integral part of every artist's training.
More About Me

Collections Wall

A study for the painting of the young Mary on her return on August 19, 1561 to rule Scotland after a 13 years absence in France where she had married the Dauphin and briefly been Queen of both countries