Valentine Cameron Prinsep

Ayesha

exhibited 1887

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In Tate Britain

Walk Through British Art: 1840

Free entry
Artist
Valentine Cameron Prinsep 1838–1904
Medium
Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions
Support: 902 x 698 mm
frame: 1195 x 998 x 140 mm
Collection
Tate
Acquisition
Presented by the Trustees of the Chantrey Bequest 1887
Reference
N01570

Display caption

This painting was first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1887. It was widely assumed to be a portrait of Queen Ayesha, from Rider Haggard’s story, She. The novel had been published the previous year, and quickly became one of the most popular in the late 19th century. Prinsep depicts Ayesha draped in colourful fabrics, holding a copper vessel, her arms adorned with heavy silver bracelets. He demonstrates both his technical skill and powers of imagination in this representation of a woman unrestrained by the conventions of Victorian society.

Gallery label, May 2019

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