Gypsy Musicians of Spain (Spanish Minstrels)

Artist John Phillip (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1817 - 1867)

Date1855

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsHeight: 67.4 cm, Width: 57.4 cm
Frame Size: 89.5 x 79.7 x 7cm

AcquisitionBequeathed in 1902 by Mrs Leslie.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003843

Keywords

About MeThe travel writer Richard Ford had commented on the appearance of the Spanish gypsy: "The Spanish gipsy shows …decided physical marks of his Hindoo blood and beauty. The eye is languid, full, and almost glazed, the hair black, the teeth white, and forehead low, the frame slight but elegantly formed. "

Phillip captures this type here. Both gypsies are dark skinned, the one on the left having a decidedly Indian look. She holds one of Phillip's studio props, a large tambourine, which reappears in other paintings.
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‘Spanish Phillip' studied art in Spain from 1851 to 1860 and is renowned for his colourful depictions of exotic señoritas, posing on balconies with their fans, gypsy musicians, and colourful street scenes.