About this artwork
This richly coloured and detailed embroidery is the final, climactic work in a series of four called The Progress of a Soul and was made between 1899 and 1902. The human soul is represented by an ideal young man dressed in an animal skin, who was based on the character of Denys L'Auxerrois from Imaginary Portraits by the English critic and writer Walter Pater. In this panel, The Victory, Denys is seen after death, reborn into eternal life. He has been awoken with a kiss from a red haired, red winged seraph, suggesting he has entered the realm of heaven.
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Updated before 2020
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artist:Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852 - 1936) Scottish
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title:The Progress of a Soul: The Victory
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date created:Dated 1902
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materials:Silk and gold thread embroidered on linen
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measurements:188.20 x 74.20 cm (framed: 223.00 x 97.00 x 6.00 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:Bequest of the artist 1936
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accession number:NG 1865 D
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gallery:
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glossary:
Phoebe Anna Traquair
Phoebe Anna Traquair
Traquair's murals, easel paintings, embroideries, book illustrations and jewellery brought her international recognition, as one of the most accomplished artists of the Arts and Crafts movement. She was originally from Dublin but moved to Edinburgh after her marriage to Dr Ramsay Traquair, Keeper...