La Loteria Nacional

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

Date1860-1866

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 131.3 cm, Width: 170.3 cm
Frame: Height: 174.9 cm, Width: 214 cm, Depth: 18 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1926 by Sir James Murray.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG004149

Keywords

About MeJohn Phillip was largely responsible for creating the popular image of Spain that survives to this day.

He visited Spain several times and there made several copies of Velasquez's works, analysing his painting techniques and adopting similar stylistic devices. The result of this can be seen in Phillip's attention to still life detail, in his use of dramatic lighting and in his bold handling of the textiles and costumes of the figures.

This is the second of two paintings depicting a lottery, both of which were unfinished when the artist died (the other belongs to Dundee Art Gallery). Here the results of the lottery are being read. The priest is now in the centre of the composition, avidly searching for his numbers, The man on left is preparing a cigarette. He is cutting tobacco with a large knife and holds the cigarette paper between his lips. A boy offers him a light from a smouldering rope.

Two new characters have now appeared to the right of the scene - a beautiful young woman, swathed in an elaborately embroidered shawl, her hair decorated with flowers, who smiles at her dark debonair companion. In complete contrast on the far left a poorly dressed young woman glares angrily in their direction as she tears up her ticket - the lottery of life has dealt her a bad hand.

As ever Phillip's attention to still life detail and his skill in capturing different textures is outstanding - the silky sheen of the young woman's hair, the glow of her floral embroidered shawl, her smooth fair skin, all contrast with the rough clothes and dark complexions of the gypsies.