I love hats! When I turned over my art calendar for December 6, 2021, I knew without looking ahead that Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell’s “A Lady in Black” would be my choice for the #FridayPainting.
Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell RSA (Royal Scottish Academy)born on April 12, 1883 was a Scottish Colourist painter, known for his paintings of Edinburgh’s elegant New Town interiors. He also painted scenes of Iona, while on his visits to the island with his friend and fellow Colourist, Samuel Peploe.
The first time I heard of the Scottish Colourists was through Alexander McCall Smith’s serial novels involving the residents that live at 44 Scotland Street. Pat Macgregor, who works in a small art gallery, believes that she has discovered a painting by Samuel Peploe. But I digress…
The Scottish Colourists were a group of four painters: Francis Cadell, John Duncan Fergusson, Leslie Hunter and Samuel Peploe.
Francis Cadell was left handed which caused concern that his paintings would not be “great.” Even the President of the Royal Scottish Academy suggested that he refrain from painting with his left hand. “No artist ever became great who did so,” he admonished.
Francis Cadell’s response was quick and to the point: “Sir and did not the great Michelangelo paint with his left hand?” When asked by another student how he came to know that Michelangelo was left-handed, Cadell confessed “I didn’t know but nor did the president.”
The National Galleries Scotland has a brilliant video that provide an overview of the Colourists, which I have included for your viewing pleasure.
One of a series of paintings for which Cadell is justly famed, this elegant, fashionably dressed woman is portrayed in the lavish setting of a Edinburgh New Town drawing room. Carefully posed, her arm resting on the back of her chair, she is arrayed in a fur collar, kid gloves and with a glint of gold hoop earring against an impressive feathered hat – the height of sophistication. An added sense of light and depth is introduced by the reflection in the mirror, a favourite device often used by the artist. The pink roses and the porcelain vase add to the sense of richness in the composition and are freely painted in fast, loose brushstrokes.
ChasingART 
She is beautiful! And the little video is so informative. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The National Galleries Scotland has a marvelous collection of videos. They are short, to the point, exciting and a doorway to more exploration. Many thanks for you visit and comments, Mandy!! Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a delightful painting, “A Lady in Black”, but so full of color and so elegantly dressed; with her arm and hand so relaxed across the arm of the chair.. What about that HAT! ! Thank you for including the video. I had to smile that the idea of his painting with his left hand was considered strange.. But, is certainly did not take away from his ability. Thank you for mentioning the four “Colourists”. Thank your for the additional facts of that time of history–and from Scotland! ! All from our Art Calendar! !
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wasn’t that a great video?! National Galleries Scotland have an amazing collection of videos that provide background to the paintings. Their short videos encourage me to look closer at the paintings and find out more about the artists. I am delighted that you enjoyed this post. I LOVE the hat. And remember – January 15, 2022 is National Hat Day!!!
LikeLike
01/15/2022–Are you going to buy a hat??
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have several hats stored in the back of my closet ready for January 15, 2022!!
LikeLike
Such a wonderful painting, Rebecca. I do love paintings with people in them. I prefer this type of picture to landscapes or still life pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You love people, Robbie and are fascinated by their stories. Your books, poetry and short stories show a deep understanding of the human experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rebecca, I hope so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this painting!
Love hats!
The video was really good. Now I know about the Colourists.
Thank you, Rebecca!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Art is about outliers isn’t it. Those who dare to go in a new direction and see what is around the next corner, to embrace their instincts and celebrate what comes next, to understand possibilities are all around us. Sending hugs your way. I LOVE hats! Hat Day is coming in January.
LikeLiked by 1 person
AHH, Hat Day! I should look f I have some street art with a hat!
Okay, I’m going to do some outlying today! 🙃😉🎩
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I can hardly wait to see the street art! Have a wonderful time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ein feines Portrait Rebecca, danke fürs zeigen…
LikeLiked by 1 person
ICH LIEBE Hüte! Vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch und Ihre Kommentare. Ihnen und Ihnen alles Gute in dieser festlichen Zeit.
LikeLiked by 1 person