Head of a Youth. Study for the Painting 'The Letter of Introduction'
About this artwork
This is a preparatory study for 'The Letter of Introduction' (NG 1890). Once his initial outline and composition was decided, Wilkie went on to develop detailed chalk studies of specific elements. For this he worked mostly from real sitters in his studio. In this delicate study for the young man’s face, Wilkie has used careful detailing around the ear and has used only a few careful strokes of black chalk to suggest his features and doleful expression. The young man’s face in the finished painting differs very little from this early working drawing.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Sir David Wilkie (1785 - 1841) Scottish
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title:Head of a Youth. Study for the Painting 'The Letter of Introduction'
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date created:About 1813
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materials:Black, red and white chalk on paper
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measurements:18.50 x 16.80 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1938
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accession number:D 3942
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gallery:
Sir David Wilkie
Sir David Wilkie
Wilkie achieved international recognition for his highly original paintings of events and episodes from contemporary life. His skills as a narrator were evident in the facial expressions and poses of his characters, and in the informative detail he included. He was born in Fife, the son of a rural...
