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The Man with the Muck Rake

Artist Sir Joseph Noel Paton (Dunfermline, Scotland, 1821 - 1901)

AssociatedAssociated with Jesus Christ

Date1871

Mediumoil on canvas (arched upper edge)

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 41.3 cm, Width: 26.5 cm
Frame: Height: 64.3 cm, Width: 49 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1989 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG008448

Keywords

Religion

About MePainted in 1871, this painting predated a larger version of the same subject (Ferens Art Gallery, Hull, 1875-9). The Man with the Muck Rake depicts a scene from Bunyon's 'Pilgrims Progress', a book which was of constant inspiration to Jospeh Noel Paton.

The Man with the Muck Rake represents vanity. Christ, to the left, offers an alternative way of life, but the sinner stretches down to the ground where gold coins, feathers and law papers symbolise his chosen path. The painting has a contemporary frame. It is ornately carved and identical to that of another painting by Paton in this collection, 'Christian at the Foot of the Cross', which depicts a very different scene from 'Pilgrims Progress'.

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The man with the muck rake represents vanity. Despite Christ offering an alternative way of life, the sinner bends down to temptations like gold, symbolising his chosen oath.