Young Woman at a Prayer Desk, 1813
David Wilkie
The National Gallery, Bought 2014
This is just the second painting to enter the National Gallery's collection, after Raeburn's The Archers. It is also one of the Gallery's most recent acquisitions, bought with a genourous gift left my Marcia Lay, a Birmingham teacher.
The Painting depicts Augusta Phipps, daughter of the 1st Earl Mulgrave. She looks out at us in her vulnerable position at her prayers as though we have interrupted this private moment. The tiny, intimate portrait was commissioned directly from the artist and has an incredible melancholy as Augusta died later that year.
Wilkie is one of Scotland's most eminent painters. Inspired in his early career by great Dutch masters, his paintings always capture the character of those in his paintings. His first great work, Pitlessie Fair was painted when he was just 19 years old. It draws on the work of greats such as Brueghel to depict an action packed market day and all of the associated commotion. It is packed with people buying and selling, gossiping, eating and drinking and there's even a urinating dog. As well as the commotion though, Wilkie captures the character of each individual.
Pitlessie Fair, 1804
David Wilkie
National Galleries Scotland
Following this painting, Wilkie's career exploded. He was trained at the Royal Academy, follows Lawrence in becoming the King's Painter and Raeburn's in becoming the King's Limner in Scotland, to George IV, in 1830, followed by a knighthood in 1836, famed and favourited for his vast scenes and grand portraits.
It is in this tiny Vermeer-esque piece however, that his skill for details - the carpet is exquisitely executed, reminiscent of early Netherlandish realism - and capturing a moment with the sitter is really rather expertly shown.
Hear more in November 2015 Ten Minute Talks- Room 30, Friday's in November at 4pm
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/david-wilkie-a-young-woman-kneeling-at-a-prayer-desk
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