Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. David Simpson Foggie died in 1948; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2018.
In context
Interlude — David Simpson Foggie
The original measures 92 × 71 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 70 at death.
Painted when the artist was 57. The artist lived to 70. 10 of the 14 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of David Simpson Foggie (1878–1948) ▲ this work, 1935 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1926 Main working years: 1926–1935 Late works: from 1935
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/david-simpson-foggie-interlude-AQVAG5-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #23231a
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 23 works by this artist, of which 9 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
David Simpson Foggie (1878–1948) stands as a significant figure in Scottish art history, recognized primarily for his meticulous portraits and evocative depictions of domestic scenes—particularly those capturing the essence of Victorian Scotland. Born in Dundee on December 31st, 1878, to James and Margaret Foggie – parents who instilled in him an appreciation for craftsmanship and social responsibility – Foggie’s artistic journey began early, nurtured by a formative encounter with William Grubb at Dundee College of Art, where he honed his skills as a Pupil Assistant. This initial training proved pivotal, shaping his approach to art and establishing connections with fellow artists like Stewart Carmichael, John Duncan, and Alec Grieve who fostered a vibrant intellectual environment.
Early Influences: Foggie’s artistic sensibilities were profoundly impacted by the Impressionist movement, particularly through his studies in Antwerp, Paris, and Florence – experiences that broadened his visual vocabulary and exposed him to diverse artistic traditions.
Return to Dundee & Artistic Collaborations: Upon returning to Dundee, he established a close association with Carmichael, Duncan and Grieve, forming part of a collective dedicated to elevating the standards of Scottish art. This collaborative spirit fueled experimentation and innovation within their circle.
Recognition & Professional Achievements: Foggie’s dedication to his craft garnered him prestigious affiliations – RSW (Royal Scottish Watercolour Society) in 1918 and RSA (Royal Scottish Academy) in 1930 – cementing his position as a respected artist of his time. He served as Secretary of the RSA from 1932, overseeing its operations and furthering its mission to champion artistic excellence.
Foggie’s oeuvre is characterized by remarkable technical precision combined with a sensitivity to emotion—a duality that distinguishes his paintings from many of his contemporaries. He excelled in capturing the subtleties of light and color, employing techniques reminiscent of Impressionism while maintaining a grounding in academic realism. His subjects ranged from portraits of individuals – including intimate depictions of family members – to landscapes reflecting the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Among his most celebrated works are “Mrs Emma Grace Marryat (1849–1927)” and “David Foggie (1878–1948), Artist, Self Portrait,” both demonstrating his mastery of tonal gradation and compositional balance. The Dundee Art Institute Collection holds "Mother and Child," a poignant portrayal of maternal tenderness—a testament to Foggie’s ability to convey profound human emotion through visual representation.
Technique: Foggie favored oil paints on canvas, meticulously blending pigments to achieve luminous effects and capturing the textures of surfaces with remarkable accuracy.
Subject Matter: He frequently depicted scenes from everyday life—domestic interiors, portraits of family members—often imbued with a quiet dignity and understated beauty.
Influence: Foggie’s artistic vision resonated deeply within his peers, notably Walter Vaes and Alec Grieve, who recognized the importance of capturing authentic emotion alongside skillful draughtsmanship.
David Simpson Foggie's contribution to Scottish art extends beyond individual masterpieces; he embodies a broader artistic ethos—one rooted in observation, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. His work reflects the spirit of Victorian Scotland, capturing its social values and aesthetic sensibilities with grace and nuance. As noted by Matthew Jarron, Curator at Paisley Museum & Art Galleries, “The problems of actual painting interest him - light, form, color and technique – and it might without disrespect be said that his work is more interesting to the artist than the general public.” His enduring influence can be seen in subsequent generations of Scottish painters who admired his dedication to realism and his ability to infuse his canvases with emotional depth. Foggie’s legacy continues to inspire artists today, reminding us of the power of art to illuminate human experience and preserve cultural heritage.
For a deeper understanding of David Simpson Foggie's artistic life and work, consult Art UK () where biographical information and reproductions of his paintings are available. Also consider examining the Dundee Art Institute Collection () to appreciate Foggie’s contribution to Scottish visual culture.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/david-simpson-foggie-interlude-AQVAG5-en/
Look closely
Interlude — David Simpson Foggie
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"Interlude" is deep_shadow overall, and its luminance is soft shadow.
The format of "Interlude" is portrait. This is useful when planning where a reproduction will be placed.
"Interlude" by David Simpson Foggie is recorded with a subtle color saturation.