View of Edinburgh by William Delacour, 1759

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

21128

Title

View of Edinburgh by William Delacour, 1759

Description

Oil on canvas. A picturesque scene with animals and figures in the foreground. The view of Edinburgh is taken from near Holyrood Park, looking out across Edinburgh. Prominent monuments can be seen in the background which can be found in Edinburgh today such as the Edinburgh Castle in the far right.

Size

108.2 x 229.1cm

Type

Oil painting

Location

City Art Centre

Accession number

HH768/1922

The 18th Century saw the emergence of a Scottish school of art in which William Delacour played an important role. Delacour came to Edinburgh from London in the late 1750's to take up the post of the first Master of the Trustees' Academy in 1760.

This is the first major oil painting of Edinburgh's Old Town and reflects the artist's European background. Note the rather picturesque figures and animals in the painting, which are drawn from the French and Italian landscape traditions.

This view of Edinburgh from Holyrood Park is one of the earliest large-scale views of the city and its panoramic composition reveals Delacour's experience as a theatre designer and interior decorator. The skyline of the Old Town is clearly visible and has changed little in appearance since that time.

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Cattle

Animals > Mammals > Horses

Animals > Mammals > Sheep

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Homes > Residential buildings > Cottages

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Homes > Residential buildings > Mansions

Homes > Residential buildings > Towers

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

People > Children > Babies

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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