FA000442 – The Dancer, Francis Campbell Bolleau Cadell, Early 20th Century

Part of the One Minute Wonders trail, a story written by one of our volunteers, inspired by objects on display.

By Dani Tabakova

An oil painting of a nude dancer, facing the outline of a woman to his left. The palate ranges from muted tones to bold splashes of colour.

From a closer look, do you feel the painting is unfinished?

FCB Cadell was part of an artistic group called the Scottish Colourists. Active at the start of the 20th century, the Colourists took influence from the French avant-garde.

This painting includes some of Cadell’s signature techniques – intense highlights, black outlines, splashes of red, and reflections visible at the bottom.

While there is no final answer to the outline of the woman, it has provoked curiosity and inspired poetry. Take a look at the poems displayed next to the painting.