William Brassey Hole

The Good Deeds of King David I A.D. 1124 - 1153

previous next

About this artwork

David I (about 1085-1153) was the youngest son of Malcolm III and St Margaret. A pious king, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and founded several monasteries and abbeys. The most significant was the Abbey of Holyrood in Edinburgh which is being built in the background of this scene. David is shown as a king who gladly delays his own activities as he gestures to interrupt his masons in order to listen to a petition from a group of poor subjects. On the right, a hunting party, complete with a falcon, are waiting for the king to re-join them. This is one of eight historical murals on first floor of the Great Hall in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Updated 2021

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

William Brassey Hole

William Brassey Hole