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Sketch for The Reading of a Will, c. 1820 (oil on board)
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Sketch for The Reading of a Will, c. 1820 (oil on board)
XYC265058 Sketch for The Reading of a Will, c.1820 (oil on board) by Wilkie, David (1785-1841); 19.1x25.4 cm; Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, USA; Scottish, out of copyright
Media ID 12784131
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Anguish Anticipation Attorney Esquisse Etude Grief Grieving Lawyer Mourners News Notary Probate Veil Waiting Widow Mourning
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This print showcases a sketch titled "The Reading of a Will" by renowned artist David Wilkie. Created around 1820, this oil on board masterpiece measures 19.1x25.4 cm and is housed in the prestigious Yale Center for British Art's Paul Mellon Collection in the USA. The image depicts an intimate scene within an interior setting, where mourners gather to witness the legal procedure of reading a will. The atmosphere is heavy with grief and sorrow as family members, including a widow veiled in mourning attire, anxiously await news that will shape their future. Wilkie skillfully captures the anguish and anticipation felt by those present through his meticulous brushwork. Every detail conveys emotions ranging from sadness to apprehension, highlighting the complexity of human nature during times of loss. This thought-provoking artwork serves as both an etude and esquisse—a study and preliminary sketch—showcasing Wilkie's mastery in capturing raw emotion on canvas. As viewers engage with this powerful image, they are transported into a world filled with uncertainty and vulnerability. It reminds us of our own mortality while also shedding light on the intricate dynamics surrounding inheritance and familial relationships. Through its historical context and artistic brilliance, this print invites contemplation about life's transient nature and our shared experiences when faced with death's inevitable presence.
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