May Margaret
Summary
The drama of this scene is largely created through the device of the window which has allowed the artist to use strong contrasts between light and dark. Whilst the majority of the composition is in shadow the window, which fills most of the upper half of the composition, is a completely light area in contrast to the surrounding dense blackness. The woman, wearing a long gown and leaning over the window sill with her long hair dangling loosely forwards, is then dramatised through the strong play of light on her body. Although seen in profile her face, her torso, and her right leg are all strongly highlighted whilst the lower half of her body seems to merge into the shadows.The title is taken from a traditional ballad, possibly 'Hynd Etin'; this begins with the line 'May Margaret sits in her bower door...'.
Object Name
May Margaret
Creators Name
Date Created
1909
Dimensions
print: 8.3cm x 6.1cm
support: 8.3cm x 6.1cm
accession number
1928.345
Collection Group
Place of creation
Europe
Support
paper
Medium
ink (black)
Credit
Gift of Mrs and Miss Rutherston, 1928