Samuel John Peploe RSA, (British, 1871-1935)

The red scarf, portrait of Jeannie Blyth 41.5 x 34 cm. (16 5/16 x 13 3/8 in.) Painted in c.1902

The red scarf, portrait of Jeannie Blyth
signed 'Peploe' (lower right)
oil on canvas
41.5 x 34 cm. (16 5/16 x 13 3/8 in.)
Painted in c.1902

Provenance
Sale; Christie's, Glasgow, 8 December 1988, Lot 318

Jeannie Blyth was a teenage Romany flower seller who sold blooms at the top of the Waverley Steps and caught the eye of one of Scotland's most celebrated artists.

According to Stanley Cursiter, "Jeannie Blyth was a wonderful model, her dark hair and rich colour and complete lack of self-consciousness allowed Peploe to paint many pictures, and these smiling or laughing heads are among the finest of his early works." (S. Cursiter, Peploe: An intimate memoir of an artist and his work, Thomas Nelson, London, 1947, p.8).

There are several known depictions of Jeannie by Peploe, such as The Green Blouse (National Galleries of Scotland) and Jeannie Blyth (Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums), but the present painting arguably portrays her at her most beautiful. Peploe uses the red scarf to enhance the rosy tones in her cheeks and parted scarlet lips. But she is not just a pretty face. With her wistful gaze and ever so slightly raised chin, Peploe captures a strength of character and makes sure that we the viewer are aware that she is a confident woman.