As someone who holds many interests, it is often difficult to decide on just one topic a week to write about. That being said, the topic of my current interest is Scottish art of the 18th century. Mainly anything that falls within the realm of Romanticism. It may be of no surprise to some readers - Scotland is a land full of beautiful landscapes, intense history, and passionate people.
My passion for learning about Scotland came about several years ago... long after the William Wallace epic starring Mel Gibson was released during my childhood... and instead from historical fiction shows like Reign, or Outlander; and actors such as David Tennant, Peter Capaldi, James McAvoy, and Ewan McGregor from my adult years... the list goes on and on! (Needless to say... I have already begun planning my first trip to the "beautifully wild" country of Scotland!)
Scotland is one piece to the larger puzzle of the United Kingdom and has been for quite some time. While they share a history with the English, their unique culture still appears in much of the art from various time periods. Likewise, artistic periods in Scotland do not exactly mirror those of the rest of the world or Europe... in truth, the lines that separate the artistic periods are just not as defined as the rest of the world’s, with blurring edges.
Scottish Art in 18th Century
Henry Raeburn (1756-1823): classified as a Romanticist. Important and of note in Scotland because he was one of the only artists during the 18th century to pursue his entire career in Scotland. [caption id="attachment_16525" align="aligncenter" width="744"]

Jacob More (1740-1793): Scottish landscape artist.
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William Mosman (1700-1771): well-known for his portraits.
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Romanticism
Romanticism in 18th century Scotland radiated throughout different genres; including, yet not limited to painting, literature, and poetry, such as written by the great Robert Burns. Though it did not necessarily last throughout the whole of the 18th century, Romanticism managed to last in parts of Scotland. Within the culture, the people, the art, and national ideals.Go bring to me a pint o wine,
And fill it in a silver tassie;
That I may drink, before I go,
A service to my bonie lassie:
The boat rocks at the pier o Leith,
Fu loud the wind blaws frae the Ferry,
The ship rides by the Berwick-law,
And I maun leave my bony Mary.
The trumpets sound, the banners fly,
The glittering spears are rankèd ready,
The shouts o war are heard afar,
The battle closes deep and bloody.
It's not the roar o sea or shore,
Wad make me langer wish to tarry;
Nor shouts o war that's heard afar –
It's leaving thee, my bony Mary!