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The Gypsy Queen
The Gypsy Queen

The Gypsy Queen

Artist (Inverurie, Scotland, 1856 - 1938)
Date1896
Mediumbronze on metal plinth
ClassificationsSculptures
DimensionsOverall: Height: 52 cm, Width: 42 cm, Depth: 28 cm
Plinth Size: Height: 10 cm, Width: 17.5 cm, Depth: 17.5 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1925 by Sir James Murray.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationOn Loan
Object numberABDAG004669
About MeThe 1890s were a time of increasing success for James Pittendrigh MacGillivray. He had relocated to Edinburgh with his growing family and was receiving a number of significant commissions. At the height of his career he was one of Scotland's best known artists.
The sitter for this powerful bust is Nellie Faa Blyth. Unlike other works by MacGillivray of this period, The Gypsy Queen is not an imaginary title. Blyth was a gypsy girl. This work is notable for the sensual modelling of her flowing hair and headdress, along with her longing gaze and slightly open mouth. During his later years of financial difficulty, MacGillivray would offer this work to Aberdeen Art Gallery at half its original cost.