When was the last time you saw a great painting, especially one that was painted way before you were born. A painting which viewed for the very first time in a fleeting moment then realising you have to stand firmly in front of it studying it’s every detail.
That painting for me is ‘Reverent Robert Walker Skating on Duddinton Loch’ Medium oil on canvas, 76.2x63.5cm by Sir Henry Raeburn c1795. Although I know some of you may have thought I would have chosen a more flouncy floral type of work but hell no this is the one that gave me goosebumps on my forearms and the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up, this is the one that struck me with a lightning force and sent my eyes into a mad scurry searching for detail.
The slight of hand detail around the knees and upper thighs to the off white cravat, the blade scarred ice set against a soft turneresque background. The steadfast stare to the effortless pose. The serenity relaxes the viewer into submission.
The perfect end to a perfect exhibition.
Fleur MacDonald
24th October 2015 - 14th February 2016
artgallery.nsw.gov.au
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