Sir John D’Arcy Anderson (1908-1988) [Ao137]
MADONNA OF HILLS, 1926
Oil on board (H. 19 cm, W. 34 cm)
Inscribed on reverse: “The Madonna of Hills” by J.D’A Anderson (COLL. 1922-1927). This painting won the Drawing Prize at Win: Coll: in 1926. The Collegeman portrayed is K.G.P.C. Knowles (Coll. 1921-1927)
John D’Arcy Anderson and Lady Anderson gave a substantial collection of English watercolours and drawings to Winchester College.
In the background of this painting is a view of the College water meadows with the downs beyond. The title comes from the ritual of ‘Hills’, when members of the school climb to the top of St Catherine’s Hill, here depicted to the right of the Virgin, with a distinctive clump of trees on the summit. The kneeling figure on the left wears the gown of a Winchester Scholar (Collegeman).
Provenance: Bequeathed to Winchester College by Lady Anderson, 2012
Location: Watercolour Store