Lot 32
NORAH NEILSON GRAY R.S.W. (SCOTTISH 1882-1931)
'EXOTIC'
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.'
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.