Who painted The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott?

The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott was painted by David Wilkie in 1817.

Where can I see The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott?

The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott?

The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott is associated with British Romanticism.

Artwork

The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott

David Wilkie , 1817

The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist David Wilkie. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Daughters of Sir Walter Scott is an 1817 oil painting by David Wilkie, depicting three daughters of the renowned novelist in a domestic setting, characteristic of the British Romantic movement.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays two visible daughters of Sir Walter Scott, capturing a moment of quiet introspection. Their direct gaze and serious expressions convey a sense of stillness, while their attire reflects early 19th-century middle-class dress. The scene highlights Wilkie's ability to capture intimate family life.

Technique & Style

Wilkie employed a warm, golden background to complement the earthy tones of the girls' clothing, a green dress with a white collar on the left and a yellow dress with a red belt on the right. The contrast between curly and dark hair adds depth. The overall composition emphasizes simplicity and naturalism, typical of Wilkie's genre scenes.

History & Provenance

Created in 1817, the painting is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. Wilkie, a Scottish artist, worked primarily in London, also producing portraits, historical scenes, and travel-inspired works. He later held the position of Principal Painter in Ordinary to King William IV and Queen Victoria.