| Description: Archibald McGlashan devoted his career to figure painting and focused mainly upon babies and children, often depicting them at rest or in their cots and prams. The subject of this painting, Child with Apple, is typical of McGlashan's work - an anonymous child in a domestic setting. This painting portrays a rosy-cheeked chubby little boy, safely placed in his high chair. He is cheerfully eating, and playing with, an apple. His facial expression is active and bright, and his vivid red clothes enhance the sense of a happy childhood. No other clues about the family are present here; there are no pictures on the walls, and the high chair is the only other item visible. Such anonymity encourages the viewer to see this painting as a representation of childhood in general, not a portrait of a particular child. The vivid colours used by the artist, with an emphasis on reds and greens, and the lively, chunky brush strokes reinforce the image of a healthy and active child. Although the background looks rather gloomy at first glance, it has actually been composed of many different colours overpainted onto each other. This adds to the energy of the scene and also displays McGlashan's skill with oils. There is a bright, cheerful mood to this image. It is almost like a snapshot of a baby taken by doting parents. The light shining on the child's face seems bright, cool and wintry, which makes the cosy comfort of the home even more pronounced. There is a nostalgic feel to this image. It almost seems to have the saturated colours of a 1960s colour photograph. |
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