O Nannie, Wilt Thou Gang Wi'me

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

Date1859

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 68.8 cm, Width: 53 cm
Frame: Height: 88.6 cm, Width: 72.5 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1935 by Thomas Brash.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 09

Object numberABDAG003400

Keywords

About MeThis is an illustration of Thomas Percy's imitation Scottish Pastoral ballad. Thomas Carter, an Irish musician, wrote a melody to accompany the ballad and it was performed at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in London in 1773.

This ballad begins:

O Nannie, wilt thou gang wi' me:
Nor sigh to leave the flaunting town?
Can silent glens have charms for thee,
The lowly cot, the russet gown?
No longer dress'd in silken sheen,
No longer deck'd wi' jewels rare,
Say can'st thou quit each courtly scene,
Where thou wert fairest of the fair?

At the beginning of his career, Phillip worked in the tradition of Wilkie who had popularised Scottish genre painting in London. This work ties in with the sentimental Victorian perception of Scotland which was, to a large extent, created by the historical novels and poetry of Sir Walter Scott.

The girl's admirer has a collie who looks adoringly at her, echoing his master's devotion.

ADOPT AN ARTWORK. This artwork is available for Adoption. To find out more please email AAGMSupport-Us@aberdeencity.gov.uk

More About Me

Collections Wall

The title of this work refers to a popular 18th century folk song. It was written by Thomas Percy, whose wife, Nanny, he would greet home with his verses.

Exhibitions

Gallery 09 - Balmoral Phenomenon