A Young Woman kneeling at a Prayer Desk is an intimate portrait by Sir David Wilkie, depicting a young girl kneeling in prayer before an altar. Two candles burn steadily, casting a soft glow on her open Bible. Though absorbed in devotion, she turns to meet our gaze. 

​

Believed to portray Lady Augusta Phipps, the 12-year old daughter of the 1st Earl Mulgrave, the portrait is especially poignant as it was painted in 1813, the year of her death. Wilkie's rich colours and delicate brushwork evoke the style of Dutch Old Masters, contrasting with the lively genre scenes for which he was best known. 

​

Once thought lost, the painting resurfaced at a New York auction in 2014, where it was recognised by a London dealer. Acquired by the National Gallery through a generous legacy, it became only the second Scottish painting in the collection (following Raeburn's The Archers). 

​

Related Articles

​

National Gallery buys long-lost Sir David Wilkie painting. 

Available at https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/nov/20/national-gallery-buys-david-wilkie-painting.

​

​​

​