View of The Brig of Balgownie, Old Aberdeen

Artist Artist Unknown

DateC1830-40

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 75 cm, Width: 104.5 cm
Frame: Height: 96 cm, Width: 126.5 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1993 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG010697

Keywords

About MeThis painting shows a view of one of Aberdeen's oldest and important landmarks - the bridge over the River Don at Balgownie, with the fishermen's cottages in the distance. The view is more or less recognisable today as shown in the painting.

This painting is particularly pleasing and although the artist is unknown (it is not signed or dated) the treatment of the figures, composition and use of colours indicate the hand of a professional as opposed to amateur artist c. 1830-40. The careful observation of the fishermen netting salmon, is also an historic point worthy of note. Interestingly a procession of soldiers in red-coats is marching across the bridge back toward their barracks. From these points of view the painting is full of local interest and is a lively social document.