Scene in The Hal of the Wynd's Smithy (The Fair Maid of Perth)

Artist John Pettie (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1839 - 1893)

AssociatedAssociated with Sir Walter Scott (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1771 - 1832)

Date1875

Mediumoil on canvas on panel

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 111.8 cm, Width: 153.4 cm
Frame: Height: 151.9 cm, Width: 193.8 cm

AcquisitionBequeathed in 1920 by Mrs Leslie.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG004107

Keywords

About MePettie specialised in dramatic historical subjects from the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and like many of his contemporaries was often inspired to paint scenes from the works of Walter Scott. Here the bandy-legged Gow Chrom, the blacksmith hero in Scott's "The Fair Maid of Perth", whom Scott described as a man of unusual strength, is seen working at his forge.

He was reputed to have been the only unwounded survivor on the victorious side of Robert III at the famous clan battle, which took place on the North Inch at Perth in 1396. It is said he accompanied Clan Chattan back to the Highlands, and that his race is represented by the Gows or Smiths, who have been ranked as a sept of Clan Chattan in more recent times.

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John Pettie was a Scottish born painter who spent most of his life in England. The stories of Sir Walter Scott provided inspiration for many of his works.