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A Scotch Fair

A Scotch Fair

Artist (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
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
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

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