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Ruth

Ruth

Artist (Banff, Scotland, 1815 - 1881)
Date1872
Mediummarble on art gallery base
ClassificationsSculptures
DimensionsOverall: Height: 134 cm, Width: 43 cm, Depth: 43 cm
Plinth Size: Height: 63.3 cm, Width: 48.4 cm, Depth: 48.5 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1925.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG004590
About MeIn the Bible the Book of Ruth relates how Ruth, recently widowed, went to visit her mother-in-law, Naomi. She was allowed to glean corn in the fields of Naomi's kinsmen, one of whom she later married.

In this sculpture, Ruth is identified by the fact that she is holding some wheat. She is dressed in classicized biblical dress and wears sandals. In spite of her classical dress and biblical source, however, she could also be seen to represent a Victorian vision of the 'fortunate' poor.


More About Me
The Bible's Ruth as a rather Victorian vision of the "worthy poor" by Brodie, who is best known for Greyfriar Bobby's fountain in Edinburgh