NORAH NEILSON GRAY R.S.W. (SCOTTISH 1882-1931)
'EXOTIC'
£23,000
Scottish Paintings & Sculpture
Auction: 7 June 2018 at 19:00 BST
Description
Signed, oil on canvas
Dimensions
113cm x 87cm (44.5in x 34.25in)
Footnote
Exhibited:Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts 1924, no.283, Ill.48
Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow Girls - Women in Art and Design 1880-1920, 1990-91, Illustrated fig. 315
Note:The model for the painting was Rita McIlraith but the artist did not want to use her name in the title and hence it was called 'Exotic.'
Norah Neilson Gray was a Scottish artist known for her striking portraits, and remarkable ability to capture the essence of the sitter. She achieved international status and recognition during her lifetime, and was one of the most esteemed female painters of the early twentieth century.
Born in 1882 in Helensburgh, Gray began her artistic career at 'The Studio'; a private drawing studio where young ladies received artistic instruction before they were granted entry into the schools of art. The studio received notable visits from 'Glasgow Boy' artists, such as Alexander Roche and John Lavery. Soon after, in 1901, Neilson gained entry to the Glasgow School of Art. Impressively, whilst still a student, she exhibited at the Salon in Paris, as well as the Glasgow Institute and the Royal Academy, where she was to continue to show until 1926. After graduating in 1906, she stayed at the school to teach fashion and design. By 1910 Gray had her own studio, and held her first solo show at Warneuke's Gallery in Glasgow. Following the outbreak of the First World War, she went to France to work as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse for the Scottish Women's Hospital. During her limited free time she continued to paint, and used her experience to produce some of her most emotionally powerful work.
After the end of the war she returned to Glasgow where she quickly began to receive a large number of commissions for portraits, many from well-known Glaswegians. In the spirit of Gustav Klimt, Gray was known for giving prominence to flowers, textiles and other decorative elements. In 1921 her talent was further recognised when she became the first women to be appointed to the hanging committee of the Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts. Following this, her successful career continued, and she regularly exhibited in Scotland, London and Paris. At the time of her early death in 1931, she was considered 'the foremost Scottish female painter'.
Exotic (1923) was painted at the height of Gray's artistic career - the same year she won her second Bronze Medal at the Paris Salon. The painting was kept as a 'masterpiece' work, on show in her studio to demonstrate her skill to potential patrons. Gray's talent and experience as a design teacher is reflected in the sitter's exquisite yellow dress, fashionable necklace and matching bright earrings. Surrounded by an array of flowers, which subtly echo the patterns on her clothing, the image reinterprets notions of orientalism and the exotic. She is depicted against a stark background which allows the viewer to focus and marvel at her beauty. The dress reveals the sitter's shoulders and pale skin, which is complimented by her dark hair and striking red lips. Depicted sitting down with her hands clasped, her direct gaze confronts the viewer, whilst her rather sombre expression juxtaposes with the bright and colourful clothing. The piece is an excellent example of Gray's masterful handling of paint, and remarkable talent as a portraitist.