About this artwork

The home of Alexander Nasmyth was a hub for Edinburgh’s artists and intellectuals. Hill came into contact with the Nasmyth family in the 1820s. This lively sketch from 1829 shows the family in conversation around a table. Hill was the contemporary of Alexander Nasmyth’s son, James, who noted: “D. O. Hill, as he was generally known, was much attached to my father. He was a very frequent visitor to our Edinburgh fireside, and was ever ready to join in our extemporised walks and jaunts, when he would overflow with his kindly sympathy and humour.”

Updated before 2020

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

David Octavius Hill

David Octavius Hill