This is a list of the artworks from our collection currently on display at each Gallery.
Works are moved from view for many different reasons. Although this page is updated regularly, we cannot guarantee that the pieces listed here will be on display when you visit.
David Allan
The Connoisseurs: John Caw (died 1784), John Bonar (1747 - 1807) and James Bruce1783On Display
David Allan specialised in small-scale group portraits, called 'conversation pieces', which showed people, usually families, in contemporary and informal settings. Here, his subject is three friends, depicted as 'connoisseurs', that is, as knowledgeable and appreciative of the fine arts. John Caw holds up an engraving after a painting by Raphael of St John the Baptist, which his companions discuss. The small portrait of the wall behind them may be an absent, or even a deceased, friend.
- Accession no. NG 2260
- Medium Oil on canvas
- Size 87.50 x 101.90 cm
- Credit Purchased 1963
- Subjects [2]
- Dogs
- Interior
David Allan (Scottish, 1744 - 1796)
Allan was born in Alloa, on the Firth of Forth, and attended the Foulis Academy in Glasgow for seven years. In 1767 he moved to Rome, where he lived for ten years; this was the most successful period of his life. In Rome Allan painted ambitious historical pictures, portraits, caricatures and genre scenes. On returning to London in 1777, he spent two years trying to establish himself. Unsuccessful and ill, he returned to Scotland where he specialised in painting family groups. He also produced book illustrations and was appointed master of the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh.
Glossary [2] Show
Conversation piece
A portrait group, usually comprising several figures from the same family or group of friends engaged in everyday pursuits. This form of painting was particularly popular in 18th century England.
Engraving
The printmaking technique in which an image is inscribed on a copper plate with a tool that cuts a groove in the surface. This groove holds the ink that creates the print when it is applied to paper. Also refers to the method of making an incision on a material such as glass.