Bonjour Professor Calne

Artist John Bellany (Cockenzie and Port Seton, Scotland, 1942 - 2013)

Date1988

Mediumwatercolour on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 57 cm, Width: 77 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1990.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG009022

Keywords

About MeIn the 1980s artist John Bellany became seriously ill with acute liver failure and required a liver transplant. During his time in hospital, Bellany continued to draw and paint in watercolours and recorded the harrowing details of this dramatic episode in his life.

This watercolour shows the artist in his hospital bed and symbolises his victory of life over death. Behind him hangs a doctor's coat with the title of the painting 'Bonjour Professor Calne' written on it. Bellany felt deeply indebted to Professor Calne, the surgeon who performed his operation, and he later worked this image up into a large oil painting.

More About Me

Collections Wall

This painting is very beautiful for a scene and theme which is very emotional, that of confronting your own mortality.

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