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Hew Dalrymple, Lord Drummore, 1690 - 1755. Scottish judge 1754

On Display PORTRAIT GALLERY

  • Scottish Art
This is one of Ramsay's finest male portraits and celebrates a prominent figure in the brilliant intellectual life of Edinburgh during the Enlightenment. The distinguished judge is seated informally resting one arm on the table. Ramsay used light and shadow to provide a convincing likeness but also to enliven Lord Drummore's black and white clothes. This painting was commissioned by the Edinburgh Musical Society, with which both Ramsay and Lord Drummore were closely involved.

Glossary Open

Commission

When an individual or organisation employs an artist to execute a particular project, the process and the resulting work are termed a `commission?.

Enlightenment

A philosophical movement of the 18th century that emphasised the use of reason to question established beliefs and traditions. Associated ideas included a greater sense of individualism, a belief in human progress and an equation of God with the laws of nature.

Commission, Enlightenment

Details

  • Acc. No. PG 2800
  • Medium Oil on canvas
  • Size 127.00 x 102.20 cm (framed: 138.00 x 112.00 x 6.00 cm)
  • Credit Purchased with the help of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 1989

See related artworks

Part of

Scottish Art

Located In See floorplan

Portrait Second floor
  • Scottish National Portrait Gallery / Second floor / Gallery 5