About this artwork

John Phillip's visits to Spain in 1851, 1856 and 1860-61 changed the entire course of his career. Thereafter 'Spanish' Phillip focussed on spectacular studies of everyday life and local customs inspired by his travels, abandoning Scottish subjects in the style of David Wilkie. This ambitious picture was still unfinished at his death in 1867. It features in a fascinating interior view of the Gallery painted about 1868-1872, The Interior of the National Gallery of Scotland.

Updated March 2022

  • artist:
    John Phillip (1817 - 1867) Scottish
  • title:
    Spanish Boys Playing at Bullfighting
  • date created:
    1860 - 1861
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas with chalk underdrawing
  • measurements:
    136.00 x 214.00 cm; Framed: 171.00 x 250.10 x 12.50 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased by RAPFAS 1867; transferred 1897
  • accession number:
    NG 534
  • gallery:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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John Phillip

John Phillip