Unknown
Anamorphosis, called Mary, Queen of Scots, 1542 - 1587. Reigned 1542 - 1567.
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About this artwork
This object is known as a type of anamorphic painting or a turning picture. The viewer is initially confronted by a distorted perspective caused by two images painted on alternate sides of vertical strips. The images - a young woman (previously thought to be Mary, Queen of Scots) and a skull - can only be seen in their true form from a single viewpoint. This suggests that the painting was probably created as a private memento mori – a reminder of death. The painting should be looked at from left to right to reveal the human head changing into a skull.
Updated before 2020
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artist:
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title:Anamorphosis, called Mary, Queen of Scots, 1542 - 1587. Reigned 1542 - 1567.
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date created:1580
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materials:Oil on panel
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measurements:33.00 x 24.80 cm; Framed: 41.50 x 34.10 x 5.50 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Given by A.H. Mayor 1962
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accession number:PG 1989
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
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