About this artwork
This is Fleming’s most celebrated work, made at the age of twenty-five. It depicts Christ’s agony on the Mount of Olives in a contemporary setting, in the manner of Stanley Spencer. Portraying Christ in a modern dress raised some eyebrows when the print was first displayed. Having recently returned from a travelling scholarship in France and Spain, Fleming took some of the elements in the background from studies made on his trip. These are combined with Glasgow scenery, such as the rock formations, which are inspired by the fossil grove in Victoria Park in the west of the city. The figure of Christ also appears to be a self-portrait.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Ian Fleming (1906 - 1994) Scottish
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title:Gethsemane
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date created:1931
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materials:Engraving on paper
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measurements:34.00 x 44.30 cm (paper 37.00 x 48.20 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1982
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accession number:GMA 2545
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gallery:
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subject:
Ian Fleming
Ian Fleming
Fleming was born in Glasgow and studied at the Glasgow School of Art. He began printmaking at art school, and Glasgow Art Gallery bought two of his prints while he was still a student. In 1928, Fleming made his first engraving while working with Charles Murray, and he soon became a highly-skilled...
