A Scotch Fair

Artist John Phillip (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1817 - 1867)

Date1848

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 92 cm, Width: 137.5 cm
Frame: Height: 131 cm, Width: 176 cm, Depth: 15 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1907.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 07

Object numberABDAG003045

Keywords

Other Titles

A Highland Fair

About MePainted just as Phillip moved south of the border to London, this virtuoso piece is full of action and narrative detail. In the central group a cattle sale is taking place between a Lowlander and a Highlander. In the background amongst the crowd, a recruiting party is looking to enlist men for their regiment.

The similarity between Phillip's 'A Scotch Fair' and Wilkie's famous 'Pitlessie Fair' (1804) would not have been missed by a Victorian audience. It is possible that Phillip wanted to draw attention to this comparison and even to capitalise on the success of his predecessor.

More About Me

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A painting full of life, centred on a cattle sale between a Lowlander and a Highlander, ‘A Scotch Fair’ by John Philip is influenced by the Scottish scenes painted by David Wilkie.

Exhibitions

Gallery 07 - Exploring Art