Scottish National Gallery

I had Scottish National Gallery on my list of things to see in Edinburgh and we’ve decided it was the first thing we’ve been to on our trip to Scotland. The admission to the museum is free and it’s located in the city centre. The museum is quite big and there are beautiful painting and sculptures on display.

The museum first opened to the public in 1859. Prince Albert laid the foundation stone for the building that houses the museum. In 20th century more galleries were built in the basement.

On the floor is an Italian marriage chest from the early 16th century. Is made from walnut wood and it’s decorated with sirens. There are a few chests in the museum and all look amazing, the craftsmanship is truly amazing.

Bust of Duc d’Orleans, Regent of France, made in 1720, a few years before his death.

Two Monks in Mourning, 1450. It’s something I didn’t see before and I think they look so realistic. The alabaster sculpture is French and they were made for the tomb of Duc de Berry.

Since I saw the special exhibition on Dutch paintings at the National Gallery in London, I’ve started to pay attention to every Dutch painting on display at other museums. All the flowers and insects look realistic.

This painting depicting butterflies and a moth on a Rose branch was created by William Gouw Ferguson in late 17th century. Ferguson was born in Scotland and moved to The Netherlands around 1648.

This detail is from a painting from the 17th century, painted by Dirck de Bray.

The Campbell Sisters in 1821-1822. The sculpture is made of marble, by Lorenzo Bartolini. The girls are Emma and Julia, daughters of Lady Campbell, sister of the Duke of Argyll. The sculpture was made in Italy and shipped to the UK.

Marie-Laetitia Bonaparte painted in the 1800s. Laetitia is the mother of Napoleon Bonaparte and this is very clear from the painting. The is a sculpted bust of Napoleon and the view from the window is of Tuileries Palace where he lived as Consul.

It was hilarious to see this painting. I didn’t expect something like this. In this painting the Reverend Robert Walker is depicted skating. He joined the Skating Society in 1780. The painting was made by Raeburn for himself and was gifted to the reverend’s widow after his death in 1808. Some would say the painting was made by a French painter, but the majority think it was made by Raeburn.

I picked this as the last picture I’m going to share because I was amazed by it. The Lady in the painting is Lady Agnew of Lochnaw and it was painted in 1892-1893. It feels like the painter and the Lady had an incredible connection, it feels like a picture more than a painting, her emotion comes through. I love this picture, it’s stunning.

These were some of the beautiful exhibits from the Scottish National Gallery. If you plan to visit Edinburgh, make a little time to see this beautiful museum.