[title not known] by Sir David Wilkie

[title not known] 

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Dimensions: support: 84 x 63 mm

Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate

Editor: Here we have an undated sketch by Sir David Wilkie, likely done in ink. The rapid lines give it a sense of immediacy, a fleeting glimpse of a woman. What does this tell us about the art world of the time? Curator: It is interesting to consider the role of sketches like this one. Were they meant for public consumption? Or rather a tool of the artist, an intimate glimpse into his process, meant to refine his public-facing works. What can we learn from an artwork that was never meant to be seen? Editor: That's fascinating! So, it gives a context to his other works, and art production in that period. I hadn't considered the intention behind a piece so directly before. Curator: Exactly! And that consideration shifts our understanding of the artwork from a simple aesthetic experience to a complex historical document.

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tate about 11 hours ago

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/wilkie-title-not-known-t08663

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tate about 11 hours ago

This figure study shows the vigorous lines that could be made by rapidly sketching with a quill pen and ink. Quills were extremely responsive to pressure and also allowed for very smooth application of the ink. The pale tone of the ink suggests that it has been heavily diluted. Wilkie seems to have smudged the ink in the woman's hair and plumed head-dress while it was still wet in order to soften the image. The dark broach or locket at her throat was created by loading the pen with ink and allowing it to puddle on the paper. Gallery label, August 2004