Picture of the Month – Sketch for the Crucifixion

Sketch for the Crucifixion by Graham Sutherland

The Sketch for the Crucifixion by Graham Sutherland (1903-1980) is in the medium of oil on board, dated 1946.

This work by Graham Sutherland was produced as a preliminary sketch for the large-scale crucifixion that can be seen in St Matthew’s Church, Northampton. This work directly led to Sutherland’s tapestry in Coventry Cathedral. 

Chosen by Michael Loe of the Friends of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery because:

“I started college in Coventry in 1962, the year the new cathedral was consecrated.  The whole of the cathedral was controversial, particularly Sutherland’s high-altar back-cloth.  I was bowled over: I, a scientist, had discovered art! So finding a Sutherland sketch in the picture-store made my choice easy.

 

Picture of the Month – Girl with Strawberries

Girl with Strawberries

The Girl with Strawberries is attributed to the artist Charles Baxter (1809-1879) and is in the medium of oil on panel and was donated to the museum in 1940. 

The image of the innocent child as shown in this picture were very popular in Victorian art.

This painting was chosen as Picture of the Month by Wendy because she likes portraits of children that refelct the social history of the time.

Picture of the Month – Daniel Lambert

Daniel Lambert

This portrait of Daniel Lambert, in the British (English) School style, circa 18th century, is in the medium of oil on paper and was donated to the museum in 1992.

Daniel Lambert (1770-1809) was the gaol keeper, sportsman and animal breeder from Leicester, famous for his unusually large size.

The painting was chosen as Picture of the Month by Aileen because it represents the warm, jolly and over indulgent time of Christmas.

Picture of the Month – The School Gate

The School Gate by Frederick Emery

The School Gate by Frederick Emery, circa 1960, is in the medium of oil on panel and was purchased by the museum in 1963.  The painting is of Allington, Hardingstone, Northampton.

The painting was chosen by Brian Dickens, Friend of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, who picked this as Picture of the Month because it is a colourful local outdoor scene.

This painting can be seen at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery throughout November 2011.

Picture of the Month – The Vision of the Shepherds

The Vision of the Shepherds by William Holman Hunt

The  Vision of the Shepherds by  William Holman Hunt (1827-1910) is in the medium of powder colour and was donated to the museum in 1947.  It was recently exhibited as part of the Pre-Raphaelites and Friends at the Holt Festival 2011.

William Holman Hunt was one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood of painters.  This painting shows Hunt’s artistic attention to detail, vivid colour and religious symbolism. 

 This painting was chosen as Picture of the  Month by Jo, who picked it because  she liked the bright use of  colours and elaborate symbolism of the artist who wanted to bring religious paintings up to date and this picture captures this ideal.

This painting can be seen at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery throughout October 2011.