[Compositional Sketch for] The Death of the Regent Moray

Rendered in oil, the study displays Allan’s characteristic attention to detail and his ability to convey movement through loose yet precise brushwork. The palette is muted, with earth tones dominating the figures while the sky is rendered in somber grays, enhancing the somber mood. Light falls unevenly across the crowd, highlighting the central corpse and creating a sense of depth.

Created as a compositional draft, the sketch was later acquired by the Scottish National Gallery, where it remains in the collection. Allan, who later presided over the Royal Scottish Academy, produced the work during a period when he was exploring Scottish historical themes alongside his more widely known depictions of Russian life.

Although Allan is best remembered for genre scenes of Russian society, this study reflects his engagement with national history during the early nineteenth century, a time when Scottish artists were revisiting pivotal moments from their past. The preparatory nature of the piece offers insight into Allan’s process of arranging complex groupings before committing to a full-scale painting.