Interior of the National Gallery of Scotland, about 1868 - 1870

This interesting record of the appearance of the Scottish National Gallery about a decade after its inauguration in 1859 is probably the work of a Scottish Academician. Designed by William Henry Playfair, this building accommodated both the public gallery (in the west suite of octagons) and the Royal Scottish Academy offices and exhibitions (on the east side). Two days a week, as shown here, the gallery was reserved exclusively for copyists - art students, established professionals, and amateurs. It is possible to make out some of the paintings in this study, such as William Etty's Judith's Maid outside the Tent of Holofernes, John Phillip's Spanish Boys Playing at Bullfighting, and Henry Raeburn's Macdonell of Glengarry.

Credit: Purchased 1967