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Contemplation
Kay, John, 1784, Etching
Contemplation
Contemplation
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Item no
13449
Title
Contemplation
Description
Lord Monboddo seated at a desk in a moment of deep thought. He is wearing a dark coat and white cravat, along with a powdered wig. He sits in a wooden chair at a simple table, with his chin resting thoughtfully on his hand in the classic pose of contemplation. Before him on the desk are an open book or document and what appears to be writing materials.
The sparse interior setting includes a large window with multiple panes on the right side. On the wall to the left hangs a framed picture or print. The floor appears to be wooden planking, and the overall atmosphere suggests a study space.
Artist / maker
Kay, John
Date
1784
Size
14 x 10 cm
Type
Etching
Location
Edinburgh and Scottish Collection
The accompanying text in the volume begins as follows:
"This is another portrait of Lord Monboddo, representing him in his study, engaged, we may presume, in composing his 'Essay on the Origin and Progress of Language'.
In a corner of the apartment hangs a picture, in which his lordship's favourite notion of tails is illustrated by a group of little fellows adorned with these appendages."
James Burnett, Lord Monboddo, was born in 1714 and died in 1799. He was a pioneer anthropologist and assumed the title Lord Monboddo in 1767 when he became a judge in Edinburgh.
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