RSA Scottish Art
The Sea King
 | Artist: Robert Gibb |
| Title: The Sea King | |
| Year: 1882 | |
| Medium: oil on canvas | |
| Dimensions: | |
| Suggested topic: | |
| Source: RSA Diploma Collection | |
| View full screen image of this work | |
| Open print version of this work | |
| Description: Robert Gibb painted many historical and military scenes, especially from the Crimean War. He also loved Celtic history, as this painting, The Sea King, shows.This painting, executed in a Romantic style, was submitted as his Diploma painting in 1882 and reflects his love of Celtic history. The brooding “Sea King” dominates the painting both in scale and pose.The dynamic use of counterpoising diagonals throughout the composition reflects the artist's intention to represent the warrior as a strong powerful leader. The eye is led up the diagonal of his muscular body to another diagonal - his elbow, also echoed in the ropes in the background, which returns our eye to his head and the determined gaze that scours the horizon.His status as a man of high standing and rank is shown through the quality of his weapons and battledress. The artist has paid careful attention to the crafting of the circular shield in the background and the wooden shaft of the metal spear, but he reserves his most intricate brushwork for the depiction of the chain-mail tunic and the Celtic brooch.The bearskin rug suggests he is of Northern or Scandinavian origin. However, at the time this was painted, Italian models were in fashion, which may account for the Mediterranean features of this Celtic king.The artist has used very rich warm colours, reminiscent of other Romantic painters, such as Delacroix and Gericault. | |
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