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Head Of A Man, Head Thrown Back by Sir William Allan
Head of a Woman, Head Thrown Back - Study for Dick Whittington and His Cat
Head Of A Man, Head Thrown Back by Sir William Allan
Head Of A Man, Head Thrown Back by Sir William Allan

Head of a Woman, Head Thrown Back - Study for Dick Whittington and His Cat

Artist (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1782 - 1850)
Datec.1836
Mediumblack and white chalk on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 16 cm, Width: 14.9 cm
Frame: Height: 55.8 cm, Width: 40.6 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1960.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003385
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.

Notoriously cruel to Whittington, the Cook turns her head away from the scene with little concern for the fate of the cat or its owner. The first recorded pantomime version of the story was during Allan's lifetime in 1814, which cast a man in the role of Dame Cecily Suet, the Cook. This would account for the exaggerated sneer and thick-set features of this study.
More About Me
A study for "Dick Whittington and his Cat". This is the nasty cook, her head thrown back and snearing.
Girl with Outstretched Arm - Study for Dick Whittington and His Cat
Girl with Outstretched Arm - Study for Dick Whittington and His Cat
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