About this artwork
Edinburgh-born Hoy is one of the greatest of modern Olympians. Attracted to bikes at a young age, he cut his teeth on BMX racing before turning to track cycling. He would eventually concentrate on the individual sprint, an event that combines tactical nous with an explosive turn of speed. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics Hoy won gold medals in the individual sprint, the team sprint and the keirin. He was the first British Olympian for 100 years to claim three gold medals in a single Games. McRae’s triptych of portraits embodies Hoy’s triple success. As she wrote after spending time with him, “two words revolved in my head: golden and wholesome”.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Jennifer McRae (born 1959) Scottish
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title:Sir Chris Hoy, b. 1976. Cyclist
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date created:2012
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:Three canvases: 91.44 x 60.96 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Commissioned 2011
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accession number:PG 3689
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Jennifer McRae
Jennifer McRae
McRae studied at Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen from 1987 to 93. Since 1988 her work has appeared in group and solo exhibitions in Britain and America, and she has won numerous awards including the BP Travelling Scholarship in 1999. Best known for her distinctive portraits, she has had work...