Skip to main content
Back
2 of 3
John Forbes White LLd
John Forbes White LLd

John Forbes White LLd

Artist (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1841 - 1913)
Sitter (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.

More About Me
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