Othello and Desdemona
Sir John Everett Millais RA (Southampton 1829- London 1896)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1843
Materials
Oil on panel
Measurements
330 x 225 mm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Wightwick Manor, West Midlands
NT 1288935
Caption
This is a very early work by the precocious Millais, who, in 1840, aged eleven, became the youngest ever student at the Royal Academy Schools. He won the silver medal for drawing from the antique (i.e. casts of classical sculpture) in 1843, exhibited his first major painting in 1846, and in 1847 won the gold medal for the painting of ‘Pizarro Seizing the Inca of Peru’. A letter on the back of the panel, from Millais, and dated 17 June, 1888, reads: “Dear Sir, This sketch of Othello and Desdemona is a very very early performance of yours truly. J. Millais.” The scene is taken from Shakespeare’s play, ‘Othello’. The strong colour and histrionic gestures of the picture reflect Othello's insane jealousy.
Summary
Oil painting on panel, Othello and Desdemona by Sir John Everett Millais (Southampton 1829- London 1896), circa 1843. An early oil sketch of the artist of Othello in red outfit holding hand to head, being clasped by Desdemona in wedding gown (?). To the left is a servant, against green background. On the back is a letter from Millais dated 17 June 1888: "Dear Sir The sketch of Othello and Desdemona is a very very early performance of yours truly J. Millais." Millais had a precocious talent: in 1840, aged eleven, he became the youngest-ever student at the Royal Academy Schools. His first known oil painting is of 1841. He won the silver medal for drawing from the antique (i.e. casts of classical sculpture) in 1843, exhibited his first major painting in 1846, and in 1847 won the gold medal for the painting Pizarro Seizing the Inca of Peru.The strong colour and histrionic gestures of the picture reflect Othello's insane jealousy.
Provenance
Bought by the National Trust in September 1966.
Marks and inscriptions
Verso: Millais's letter on back: 17 June 1888; 'Dear Sir This sketch of Othello and Desdemona is a very very early performance of yours truly J M.' Verso: Typed provenance details from Walker Art Gallery and written notes from M D'Aguilar.
Makers and roles
Sir John Everett Millais RA (Southampton 1829- London 1896), artist