The Spanish Flower Seller

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

Date1864

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 89.2 cm, Width: 71.1 cm
Frame: Height: 119.7 cm, Width: 102.3 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1927 with assistance from Sir James Murray.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003846

Keywords

About MeIt was John Phillip's three trips to Spain, in 1851, 1856 and 1860 that brought him fame and before long he had become known as John 'Spanish' Phillip. In Spain, Phillip absorbed the flavour and colour of the country and its people into his painting and was also inspired by Spanish art, most notably Velasquez.

This work represents Phillip's mature Spanish style, in which the artist applies his paint with greater freedom. The flowers are executed in bold splashes of thick paint or impasto which give the effect of spontaneity and immediacy. The viewer engages with the sitter as she offers flowers with a sorrowful expression. One senses that Phillip has caught a real moment in time.

More About Me

Collections Wall

In this work from Phillip's mature Spanish period, one senses from the direct glance between sitter and viewer that the artist has captured a particular moment in time