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Sketch for "The Marriage of the Princess Royal"

Artist (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1817 - 1867)
Date1858
Mediumoil on panel
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 39.1 cm, Width: 67.6 cm
Frame: Height: 69 cm, Width: 95.9 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1912 by Sir James Murray.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationOn Display - Gallery 09
Object numberABDAG004122
About MeAt the Royal Wedding Phillip made this quick oil sketch of the ceremony, later working this up into a larger composition, which he then set about filling with individual portraits of those present. Queen Victoria's sittings took place first at Osborne House and later at Windsor, the Queen noting in her diary when she sat for Phillip through the summer months of 1858. While she spent the autumn at Balmoral, Phillip continued working and the Queen received letters from Vicky, who was charmed with Phillip's picture:

"Mr Phillip's beautiful picture I admire more than I can say, the beauty of the composition the brilliancy of the colours & correctness of the whole - make it a most remarkable work of art; the way in which the different stuffs of the gowns are painted is marvellous, what a lovely thing it is."

There are substantial differences between this and the finished painting mainly in the positions of the Royal family, the bridesmaids and in the architectural details.

As part of Aberdeen Art Gallery’s plus music playlists, Art Chat is an engaging series of short audio interpretations offering children’s perspectives of individual artworks. Young peoples’ voices are an integral part of the community and we wanted to offer primary aged learners the opportunity to voice their thoughts and opinions about a selection of artworks from the Aberdeen Art Gallery collection.

Learners from Aberdeen’s Bramble Brae School took part in discussions and activities to look for themes, symbols and clues within a selection of artworks. Learners were given the opportunity to work co-operatively with their classmates and gallery staff to explore their thoughts and feelings by responding to real works of art at Aberdeen Treasure Hub. These activities supported creative skills and helped to build learners’ confidence in talking about art.

Alongside the image of this object you can now listen to their interpretation of Phillip's work.


ADOPT AN ARTWORK. This artwork is available for Adoption. To find out more please email AAGMSupport-Us@aberdeencity.gov.uk
More About Me
So many faces! Can you investigate the crowds attending the wedding, and see who is related to whom - what costumes do guests share?
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