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The Boy Child

Artist: Collins, Peter Godfrey, RSA · 1935-2023

The Boy Child

The painting was produced as a commissioned design for the Royal Scottish Academy's official Christmas Card for 2003. In a handwritten letter from the…

The painting was produced as a commissioned design for the Royal Scottish Academy's official Christmas Card for 2003. In a handwritten letter from the artist to Ian Mackenzie Smith PRSA, of 2003-09-26, which accompanied the submission of the painting, the artist wrote; "...I have pleasure in submitting my painting for the RSA Christmas card for 2003. I profoundly hope it meets with approval. Initially, as with virtually all Renaissance depictions of "The Madonna and Child", I painted the Christ Child nude. As my concept was of first steps pressaging the crucifixion it just didn't look "correct," mainly because in all crucifixions, Christ wears a loin cloth. So, the loin cloth in my painting is no concession to grandyism, and moreover provides a pictorial echo of the Virgin's girdle. I hope that there will be no grumbles that I have designed to a vertical rather than the more usual horizontal format. I have ensured that the painting conforms to envelope proportions. I'm not sure myself aboout my title "The Boy Child". If another title such as "Portent" is preferred, I would quite happily change it. Perhaps the above reveals some measur eof trepidation in my pleasure of having undertaken this commission. I am most appreciative of the honour...."

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