Sir Walter Scott in his Study at Castle Street by Sir John Watson Gordon

Sir Walter Scott in his Study at Castle Street (Watson Gordon)

This posthumous portrait by Sir John Watson Gordon dates from the 1840s or 1850s. It depicts, somewhat fancifully, Scott's study at 39 North Castle Street, Edinburgh, where he lived between 1801 and 1826 (see Homes). Scott is shown reading a large book at his writing desk. On an adjoining table to the right sits Scott's cat Hinse of Hinsefeldt. A dog, probably Camp, lies on the floor in the foreground. Light is provided by a window to the left. On the wall behind Scott hangs a map with a suit of armour standing to its left. To the right, above the chimney-piece, hangs a portrait of Scott's mother, also by Watson Gordon. In reality, Scott's study was lined with bookshelves and dominated by a portrait of John Graham of Claverhouse, portrayed by Scott in Old Mortality. The painting is now held by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It was engraved once, in 1871, by Robert Charles Bell. Click on the thumbnail right to see a complete image of the engraving.

Bibliography

Royal Association for Promotion of the Fine Arts in Scotland. Portrait of Sir Walter Scott: And Five Engravings in Illustration of 'The Pirate' ([Edinburgh: Royal Association for the Promotion of the Fine Arts in Scotland], 1871)
Russell, Francis. Portraits of Sir Walter Scott: A Study of Romantic Portraiture (London: The Author, 1987)

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