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Head Of Man Wearing Large Hat by Sir William Allan
Head of a Gypsy Woman - Study for The Recovery of the Stolen Child
Head Of Man Wearing Large Hat by Sir William Allan
Head Of Man Wearing Large Hat by Sir William Allan

Head of a Gypsy Woman - Study for The Recovery of the Stolen Child

Artist (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1782 - 1850)
Datec.1821
Mediumred, black and white chalk on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 19.4 cm, Width: 16.4 cm
Frame: Height: 55.8 cm, Width: 40.4 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1960.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003387
About MeThis chalk drawing is a preparatory study for the oil painting "The Recovery of the Stolen Child" (1841), also Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Collections. The drawing demonstrates the many advantages of chalk. As a medium capable of strong and soft linear qualities and an expedient means to suggest texture, shading and tone, chalk is often used by artists for preparatory studies such as these. All are put to good use in the gypsy: the light and shade of her collar bone and throat; the expressive softness of her eyes versus the strong contours of her unkempt hair; the red chalk that suggests the fleshy tones of her face; and the black outline that blocks in the shape of her hat and shoulders. It was Sir Walter Scott who spotted the Edinburgh woman that modelled for Allan's gypsy: "quite a wind-fall but as she was unconscious of her own charms it was no easy matter to trace her out."
More About Me

The drawing demonstrates the many advantages of chalk as a medium. It creates strong and soft linear qualities and can suggest texture, shading and tone.

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