RSA Scottish Art
Bo-Peep
 | Artist: Thomas Duncan |
| Title: Bo-Peep | |
| Year: 1841 | |
| Medium: oil on canvas | |
| Dimensions: | |
| Suggested topic: | |
| Source: RSA | |
| View full screen image of this work | |
| Open print version of this work | |
| Description: Thomas Duncan specialised in painting portraits and scenes from Scottish history. His career was tragically cut short by his premature death in 1845.This painting combines Duncan's interests in portrait painting with historical painting. Here the little boy is playing the game named in the title, “bo-peep”. He draws back a heavy red curtain and peeps at someone to the right of the scene. A shuttlecock lies discarded on the floor, evidence of an earlier game of badminton. The fantasy world of the child is suggested by the little boy's costume and sword, which is vaguely 17th century in inspiration. This suggests the childhood activity of dressing up but also a nostalgia for the past.This accomplished oil painting shows skilful and delicate handling of paint and a fine eye for light effects. The soft light falling on the child's face from beyond the curtain, and the pale shadows cast, have been carefully observed. The lace on the collar and the folds in the fabric of the curtain are exquisitely detailed. The dramatic use of dark tones in the painting heighten the drama and suspense of the game.The expression on the child's face defines the mood of this painting. The boy looks like he is having a lot of fun, and is impishly waiting with great excitement to see if he has been spotted. From his dark hiding place he is happy to see the light again; as soon as this game is over, it looks like a different game will begin with just as much enjoyment. Duncan has captured the innocent playfulness of this child perfectly. How would a contemporary artist capture the playfulness of a 21st-century child? | |
Find us on