The Gypsy Queen

Artist James Pittendrigh Macgillivray (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

Keywords

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.