Sir Walter Scott, 1771 - 1832. Novelist and poet
Painted 1831
- Scottish Art
Sir Walter Scott was a renowned poet and novelist who achieved major success during his lifetime. His interest in writing historical novels, and particularly those with Scottish themes such as `Waverley?, has had a major influence on the perception of Scotland. Scott famously organised King George IV?s 1822 visit to Edinburgh which helped to re-brand Scotland?s image and led to a revival of tartan and kilts. This work was painted at Abbotsford, Scott?s home in the borders, for Lady Ruthven (1789-1895). It depicts him the year before his death. Following a number of strokes, Scott appears distinctly older and more fatigued than in earlier portraits. Seated in his study, he is almost certainly writing the fourth series of `Tales of my Landlord?.
