About this artwork
Born and educated in Edinburgh, Blair was a minister, preacher and critic whose published sermons were translated into many languages. He was part of the Edinburgh literary and philosophical set, and a member of the 'Poker Club', which also included David Hume and Adam Smith. He was described as being full of harmless vanity and very particular about his dress and manners.
Updated before 2020
-
artist:James Tassie (1735 - 1799) Scottish
-
title:Hugh Blair, 1718 - 1800. Divine and author
-
date created:1791
-
materials:Paste medallion
-
measurements:7.20 cm (height)
-
object type:
-
credit line:Purchased 1886
-
accession number:PG 134
-
gallery:
-
depicted:
-
subject:
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.
James Tassie
James Tassie
Tassie was born in Pollokshaws, Glasgow. He trained first as a stone mason and then attended the Foulis Academy in Glasgow. Tassie moved to Dublin in 1763, where he learned how to make imitations of antique cameos. He invented a formula for a type of glass paste which he used for the rest of his...