Baptism in Scotland

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

Date1850

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsHeight: 106.7 cm, Width: 157.4 cm
Frame Size: 127 x 178.3 x 12cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1983 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions, the National Art Collections Fund (Ramsay-Dyce Bequest), the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 09

Object numberABDAG000657

Keywords

About MeThis painting was the culmination of the first part of Phillip's career. A year later the artist made his first visit to Spain where he traded his Scottish subject matter for a more colourful and exotic lifestyle.

During the nineteenth century it was not unusual for a baptism in Scotland to take place at home rather than in a church. Full of anecdotal details, the family gathering makes references to the Jacobite Risings: 1745 is embroidered on the corner of the linen tablecloth and on the elderly woman's pocket. In the window, roses in full bloom and in bud are acknowledged emblems of The Old and Young Pretenders.

Adopted by Anonymous indweller of Aberdeen.

To find out how to 'Adopt an Artwork' please email AAGMSupport-Us@aberdeencity.gov.uk
More About Me

Collections Wall

A child's baptism should be a happy occasion but the guests in this painting look very serious. Perhaps there was a party later after the minister departed!

Exhibitions

Gallery 09 - Balmoral Phenomenon