My first art historical spotlight will be one of my favorite artists: John Duncan (1866-1945). Duncan was a Scottish painter who is sometimes referred to as a Symbolist. Personally I think calling Duncan a Symbolist is too limiting when discussing his work; other scholars call him a leader in the Celtic Revival movement. His art has similarities to both Art Nouveau and the Pre-Raphaelites, full of whimsy and vibrant colors. As far as subject matter, Duncan was absolutely fascinated with Celtic mythology.
John Duncan, Tristan and Isolde, 1912, Tempera on canvas, 76.6 x 76.6 cm, City of Edinburgh Council
He was considered by most people to be a madman, and claimed to hear fairy music while he worked. He also fell madly in love with a woman because he believed she had discovered the Holy Grail. He married her but the two later divorced. Duncan spent his early life in Dundee, studying at the Dundee School of Art. He also studied in Antwerp and taught in Chicago for a few years. When he returned to Scotland, he settled in Edinburgh. There he joined the Theosophical Society, a philosophical group which sought to understand the mysteries of nature and esoteric knowledge.
John Duncan, Masque of Love, 1921, Oil on canvas, 113 x 209 cm, Paisley Museum and Galleries
His work is compelling and mysterious, and I personally fell in love with him while visiting the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh last summer. His work St. Bride (1913) is downstairs in the Scottish Art gallery. If you have the opportunity to visit the museum, DO IT. It was free, and immensely impressive. They had a wonderful exhibition on Titian while I was there.
St. Bride depicts a Celtic saint also called St. Bridget. Legend says that St. Bride was miraculously transported to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem by two angels. Duncan’s painting depicts the moment that St. Bride is being transported through space and time to witness the birth of Christ. The angels’ robes and wings are absolutely exquisite. The robes are detailed with scenes from the life of Christ, and their wings are as gorgeous as the angels’ wings in the Portinari Altarpiece. The background is a stunning seascape, and honestly I think the best detail is the adorable seal in the corner (he’s totally smiling).
John Duncan, St. Bride, 1913, Tempera on canvas, 122.30 x 144.50 cm, National Galleries Scotland
Heptu Bidding Farewell to the City of Obb (1909) is another of my favorites by Duncan. I couldn’t find any information at all about the iconography of Heptu, or the City of Obb…I suspect they’re Duncan’s own inventions. If anyone who’s familiar with Celtic mythology can think of a connection, let me know!
John Duncan, Heptu Bidding Farewell to the City of Obb, 1909, Oil on canvas, 152.4 x 101.6 cm, Private Collection
An International Palette 