Enamelled Plaque:Mother
Artist
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
Datec. 1898
Object NamePanel
Mediumenamel, copper
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall: Height: 9.8 cm, Width: 6.1 cm
Frame: Height: 14.2 cm
Frame: Height: 14.2 cm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG008636
About MeThis finely worked portrait is of the artist's mother, Ann Hardy, a schoolteacher. This is the earliest portrait plaque by Watt in the collection, dating to 1898, as identified by the roman numerals in the parapet.It is a rather formal portrait with a bust length depiction of the sitter, in profile. She appears against backdrop of structured roses which have been executed in translucent enamel. Watt has used a technique called grisaille for the face, a method of painting layers of translucent enamels with subtle changes in colour, greys and whites, which give a variation in light and shade. The result is almost photographic.
More About Me
So rich and finely detailed, you'd think this was some sort of surreal photography collage.
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736-1796
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty Qianlong/Jiaqing Period, 1736 - 1820
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt