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Notes
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William Crotch (1775–1847) is depicted as a composer, holding a white feather quill pen and writing in a manuscript book. In this romantic image, he gazes upward and out, possibly at a moment of inspiration, painted as though completely absorbed in his work, and with a childish gait. To the rear is an organ, and his just-discernable cello rests on the floor. Around his neck on a ribbon is the silver medal presented to him when aged five by a patron, Dr Hunter of York. In 1832 Crotch recalled his childish encounter with Beechey: ‘I remember the latter [Beechey] admiring the spirit I infused with my fencing figures. He set me the bust of Apollo Belvedere to copy as Carlo Maratti could not please himself in many hundred attempts at the same thing.
Title
William Crotch (1775–1847), First Principal of the Royal Academy of Music (1822–1832)
Date
1785
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 127.5 x W 101.5 cm
Accession number
2003.1116
Acquisition method
presented by the artist, 1833
Work type
Painting