Study for the Hands of the Two Figures in the Painting 'The Letter of Introduction'
About this artwork
In this drawing Wilkie has planned in detail the exact positioning and actions of the hands for both the young man and the older gentleman in his finished painting (NG 1890). The gestures of the hands in the final painting play an important role in expressing the awkwardness of the situation. The young man’s right hand hangs uneasily at his side and nervously fiddles with a pair of gloves, while the older man’s loose, hesitant hold on the letter indicates his feelings of apprehension and distrust.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Sir David Wilkie (1785 - 1841) Scottish
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title:Study for the Hands of the Two Figures in the Painting 'The Letter of Introduction'
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date created:About 1813
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materials:Black and red chalk on paper
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measurements:28.20 x 20.90 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1938
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accession number:D 3943
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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...
