John Forbes White LLd

Artist Sir George Reid (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1841 - 1913)

Sitter John Forbes White (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1831 - 1904)

Date1889

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 124.7 cm, Width: 79.1 cm
Frame: Height: 155.5 cm, Width: 110.1 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1889 by subscribers.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003987

Keywords

About MeBy October 1888 White had just written an article on Velazquez who was unquestionably the inspiration for this portrait.

In its sombre mood, very limited palette and overall simplicity the painting owes much to Velasquez's portrait of Phillip IV of 1626-28 (Prado, Madrid) which would have been familiar to White, who had visited Spain, and to Reid, through engravings. Reid tried valiantly to emulate such mastery, but he was aware that it was an impossible task;

..and that for only this once I could not transform myself into a Velasquez or a Rembrandt or a Titian, but Alas! We are but poor creatures and you must take the will for the deed whatever its shortcomings. At least it has the one merit of being like you - although it may have little else to commend it.

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White, a wealthy Aberdeen flour miller, became an influential patron of Scottish Art. An article of his on Velasquez probably inspired the style of this painting