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Girl with Outstretched Arm - Study for Dick Whittington and His Cat
Girl with Outstretched Arm - Study for Dick Whittington and His Cat

Girl with Outstretched Arm - Study for Dick Whittington and His Cat

Artist (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1782 - 1850)
Datec.1836
Mediumred, black and white chalk on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 17.5 cm, Width: 25.4 cm
Frame: Height: 40.6 cm, Width: 55.7 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1960.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003377
About MeThis chalk drawing is a preparatory study for the oil painting "Dick Whittington and His Cat" (1836). An inscription on the reverse of the painting tells us that "The picture represents that moment in the popular story of Whittington, at which he unknowingly lays the foundation of his fortune by parting with his cat." Studies for three of the subjects at the centre of the action are held in the Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Collections: the Cook, Alice Fitzwarren and a babe in arms.

In this study Alice's pose shows a split loyalty between her father, who stands to her right, and Whittington, whom she would later marry. Her grace and compassion are perhaps even greater in chalk than in oil, emphasised by the halo-like white heightening around her hair and the dark cross-hatching that defines her gesturing hand.
More About Me

This study acts as a practice for Allan's final work. Do you know the story of Dick Whittington and who this woman might represent?

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