SIR WILLIAM BLAKE RICHMOND (English 1842-1921) — Study for “The Song of Miriam,” 1879

Chalk and graphite on brown paper; Titled and dated upper left; This important discovery is a study for Richmond’s major painting, “The Song of Miriam,” depicting the central figure of Miriam dancing, the subject a celebration of Israel’s victory over Egypt. Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, recognized as a prophetess in the Bible. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the miraculous defeat of the Egyptian army, she led the women of Israel in song and dance expressing joy and gratitude for their deliverance. This event is recorded in Exodus 15:20-21, where Miriam takes a timbrel and encourages the women to join her in praising God for His mighty acts, particularly the drowning of Pharaoh’s chariots in the sea. The song is one of the oldest poetic forms in the Bible, highlighting the importance of music and dance in worship.; Richmond became a successful portrait painter at an early age; in 1861at 19 he exhibited his first major work for the Royal Academy. His father, artist George Richmond, was William Blake’s close friend—thus George’s son was given the middle name “Blake.” William drew Blake’s portrait as a young artist. He was elected to the Royal Academy in 1861. In 1877, Richmond left the Royal Academy to exhibit with the Grosvenor Gallery until 1878 when he became Slade Professor of Fine Art at Oxford University, succeeding Ruskin. During his tenure he was responsible for twelve lectures a year.