A Classical Landscape

Artist James Norie (Knockandhu, Moray, Scotland, 1684 - 1757)

Date1736

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 66.5 cm, Width: 135.4 cm
Frame: Height: 79.2 cm, Width: 148 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1955 with income from the Webster Bequest.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG004911

Keywords

About MeThis landscape by James Norie is one of the first landscapes to be painted in Scotland - one of the rare surviving works by an artist who might be termed the 'primitive' of Scottish landscape painting. It is an example of the classical-Picturesque style, in which imaginary 'ideal' landscapes were painted.

Norie was a fairly prominent member of Edinburgh society in his day and built up a family business as an interior decorator, which was continued by his descendants for over 100 years, until the dynasty died out in 1845. This particular work is an easel painting on canvas, probably intended to go above a doorway, but mostly his painting was done on panelling in stately homes and townhouses.

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Although relatively unknown today, Norie was hugely inflential in the history of Scottish art. He was one of the first painters to introduce Classical landscapes to Scotland, being inspired by French painters such as Claude Lorraine and Nicolas Poussain.