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Head Of A Man Looking Upwards by Sir William Allan
Head of a Man Looking Upwards - Study for Heroism and Humanity
Head Of A Man Looking Upwards by Sir William Allan
Head Of A Man Looking Upwards by Sir William Allan

Head of a Man Looking Upwards - Study for Heroism and Humanity

Artist (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1782 - 1850)
Datec.1840
Mediumred, black and white chalk on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 19.7 cm, Width: 15.2 cm
Frame: Height: 55.6 cm, Width: 40.5 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1960.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003383
About MeThis chalk drawing is a preparatory study for the oil painting "Heroism and Humanity: An Incident in the Life of Robert the Bruce" (1840). In 1839 Allan was present at the Eglinton Tournament, where the display of medieval chivalry is said to have inspired "Heroism and Humanity". This may be true, but there is no doubt that the narrative of the painting resembles Sir Walter Scott's "Tales of a Grandfather". Scott's story recounts Robert the Bruce's retreat before a powerful enemy army whilst campaigning in Ireland. A laundress of Bruce's force (pictured on the right) is weakened by childbirth and unable to continue. Rather than sacrifice her to the approaching English forces, Bruce rallies his troops and prepares to fight there and then. Thus he is depicted as an embodiment of the virtues that entitle the painting. It is the facial expression of these virtues that Allan practises in this figure drawing.
More About Me
A study for "Heroism and Humanity", about Robert the Bruce, the completed painting now in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Gallery
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