About this artwork

Begun in October 1839, this painting is unfinished, with only a few heads and figures only sketched in pencil. Wilkie was working on two versions of this subject when he set out in 1840 on his journey to the east, from which he never returned. The smaller, more complete sketch version, is also part of the collection.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
    Sir David Wilkie (1785 - 1841) Scottish
  • title:
    John Knox Dispensing the Sacrament at Calder House (unfinished)
  • date created:
    1839 - 1840
  • materials:
    Oil on panel
  • measurements:
    123.20 x 165.00 cm; Framed: 167.60 x 210.20 x 12.00 cm / 89.00 kg
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased by the RSA 1842; transferred and presented 1910
  • accession number:
    NG 323
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Sir David Wilkie

Sir David Wilkie