Robert Wood
Sir George Mackenzie, 1636 - 1691. Founder of the Advocates' Library
About this artwork
Between 1661 and 1662, in what was one of the largest witch hunts in Scottish history, over 600 people were accused of sorcery and devil worship. The young advocate, George Mackenzie, as justice-depute, became closely involved in the trials. While not denying witchcraft’s existence, Mackenzie was disturbed by the ways in which he believed ‘poor innocents die in multitudes by an unworthy martyrdom, and Burning comes in fashion.'
Updated before 2020
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artist:Robert Wood (died 1751)
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title:Sir George Mackenzie, 1636 - 1691. Founder of the Advocates' Library
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date created:Published 1716
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after:Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1723) German
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materials:Line engraving on paper
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measurements:26.04 x 17.48 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Bequeathed by William Finlay Watson 1886
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accession number:SP II 65.4
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