A Roman Girl
John Hutchison (Edinburgh 1833 - Edinburgh 1910)
Category
Art / Sculpture
Date
1880 (signed and dated)
Materials
Marble
Measurements
430 x 240 x 200 mm
Place of origin
Edinburgh
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1246898
Summary
A marble bust of a Roman girl on a circular marble socle and a revolving walnut stand. Signed and dated.
Full description
The girl is wearing a tunic, loosely gathered around her neck and secured by a round button at the front. Her hair is held back by a knotted scarf which is tied behind her head. She is looking downwards. This work was inspired by Hutchinson's time studying in Rome. His first 'Roman Girl' was produced in Rome in 1860. In 1861 Hutchinson exhibited a similarly titled piece for his Diploma Work at the RSA (cat.No. 812), the RGI (cat.no. 880) and the RA (cat.no.1124). In 1865 , also at the RA, A Roman Girl was on show (cat.no.1066) . Hutchinson's work from this time displays the qualities of pureness and charm. As late as 1902 Hutchinson was exhibiting 'Studies of a Roman girl' at the Royal Scottish Academy. William McEwan is likely to have bought this bust from one of these exhibitions.
Provenance
The bequest of Margaret (Anderson) McEwan, The Hon. Mrs Ronald - later Dame Margaret - Henry Fulke Greville, DBE (1863-1942) from probate records linked with the donation of the property to the National Trust in 1943. This item found on the record for Polesden Lacey Entrance Hall, page 1.
Credit line
Polesden Lacey, The McEwan Collection (National Trust)
Marks and inscriptions
J. HUTCHISON/R.S.A./EDINr 1880.
Makers and roles
John Hutchison (Edinburgh 1833 - Edinburgh 1910), sculptor