Christmas Morning

Artist Arthur Melville (Guthrie, Angus, Scotland, 1855 - 1904)

Date1900-1904

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 199.1 cm, Width: 185.3 cm
Frame: Height: 239.5 cm, Width: 225.3 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1912 by Mrs Arthur Melville.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG004379

Keywords

Other Titles

The Nativity
The Christmas Carols: Christmas Eve

About MeThis painting illustrates the nativity scene, the moment of Christ's birth. This work with four others, one of which, 'Christmas Eve' is in the National Gallery of Scotland, are often referred to as 'The Christmas Carols' and were painted at Sandhills, the Surrey home of Melville's friend Walford Graham Robertson where a nearby barn served as a studio and Graham Robertson, along with a group of Italians living in Godalming as models.

Unfortunately Arthur Melville died before the painting could be completed.

Melville's composition follows the traditional depiction of the nativity scene. As an artist who had travelled extensively in North Africa and Egypt he naturally emphasised the oriental aspects of the story.

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A nativity by Angus born Melville who favoured orientalist subjects after extensive travel in North Africa and Egypt.