Scottish Art

Murdo Macdonald explores the distinctive characteristics of Scottish art over the centuries, including Celtic design, landscape, and connection with France. The book ranges from Neolithic standing stones to the Enlightenment and focuses on art produced since 1900. It provides a valuable contribution to understanding Scotland's artistic past and present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2021
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Scottish art has a rich and distinctive history that spans centuries, influenced by a variety of factors. One of the key elements that make Scottish art Scottish is its heritage of Celtic design, which emphasizes intricate patterns and symbolism. The landscape, particularly the rugged Highlands and the stunning coastline, has also played a significant role in shaping Scottish art.

The connection with France has also played a role in Scottish art, with artists such as Jean-Antoine Watteau and Jacques-Louis David being influenced by French styles and techniques. This influence can be seen in the works of Scottish artists such as David Wilkie and John Everett Millais.

The art of the Picts and Gaels, who inhabited Scotland before the arrival of the Romans, is another important aspect of Scottish art history. These ancient civilizations left behind a rich legacy of art, including carved stones and illuminated manuscripts. The art of the Picts and Gaels is characterized by its bold and simple designs, often featuring animals and geometric patterns.

The turbulent centuries of the Reformation, which saw Scotland divided between Protestant and Catholic factions, also had a significant impact on Scottish art. This period saw the emergence of a new style of religious art, which was often more conservative and traditional than the art that had preceded it. Artists such as John Knox and Robert Walker were instrumental in developing this style of art.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Scottish art experienced a period of great flowering, particularly in the fields of painting and literature. Artists such as William Blake, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott were instrumental in developing a unique Scottish aesthetic. This period saw the emergence of the Scottish Colourists, a group of artists who focused on capturing the beauty of Scotland's landscapes and countryside.

Since 1900, Scottish art has continued to evolve and develop, with a wide range of styles and techniques being employed. The Scottish Colourists, who were active in the early 20th century, were followed by a generation of contemporary artists who have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in Scottish art.

One of the most significant figures in contemporary Scottish art is Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who is best known for his designs for the Glasgow School of Art and the Mackintosh House. Mackintosh's work is characterized by its bold use of color and pattern, and his designs have had a lasting impact on the world of design.

Other notable contemporary Scottish artists include Joan Eardley, who is known for her abstract paintings that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world, and David Mach, who is known for his large-scale sculptures that incorporate elements of nature and science.

In conclusion, Scottish art has a rich and distinctive history that is influenced by a variety of factors, including Celtic design, the landscape, the connection with France, and the turbulent centuries of the Reformation. Scottish art has continued to evolve and develop, with a wide range of styles and techniques being employed, from the earliest art to survive to the great flowering of Scottish art in the Enlightenment and the contemporary art of today.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 152 x 211 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500204528
Edition number: Revised