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Actions Displays	Sir William Wallace Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number20464 TitleSir William Wallace CreatorUnknown (Artist)‎ DescriptionThere are no likenesses of William Wallace from when he was alive, but this portrait with its steady gaze and broad shoulders lives up to our image of the ultimate Scottish hero who fought for freedom for his country. Although the artist is unknown, we do know who it was painted for and where it hung for centuries. The oval portrait in the centre dates from around 1660, when it was commissioned by the Wauchope family from Niddrie Marischal House in the south east of Edinburgh. The house was then transformed by the famous Scottish architect William Adam in the early 18th Century. The Wallace portrait was itself enlarged at this time, with a surround added showing weapons and flags. It was hung above the fireplace in the dining room, seen and admired by visitors – so much so that it became one of the best-known images of Wallace in the 19th century. How did it get from Niddrie to Stirling? William Wallace’s victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 is one of the famous moments in Scotland’s history, and equally important to the story of Stirling. When the painting was put up for sale in 2004, we jumped at the chance to add it to our collection. With the support of the Art Fund, the Friends of the Smith and many people, businesses and societies, we were able to bring Wallace to Stirling, scene of his greatest triumph. Production date 1661 - 1720 Object nameOil Painting Painting MaterialOil/Canvas TechniquePainted Dimensions image Height: 890 mm image Width: 1220 mm frame Height: 1060 mm frame Width: 1380 mm

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number20464

TitleSir William Wallace

CreatorUnknown (Artist)‎

DescriptionThere are no likenesses of William Wallace from when he was alive, but this portrait with its steady gaze and broad shoulders lives up to our image of the ultimate Scottish hero who fought for freedom for his country. Although the artist is unknown, we do know who it was painted for and where it hung for centuries. The oval portrait in the centre dates from around 1660, when it was commissioned by the Wauchope family from Niddrie Marischal House in the south east of Edinburgh. The house was then transformed by the famous Scottish architect William Adam in the early 18th Century. The Wallace portrait was itself enlarged at this time, with a surround added showing weapons and flags. It was hung above the fireplace in the dining room, seen and admired by visitors – so much so that it became one of the best-known images of Wallace in the 19th century. How did it get from Niddrie to Stirling? William Wallace’s victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 is one of the famous moments in Scotland’s history, and equally important to the story of Stirling. When the painting was put up for sale in 2004, we jumped at the chance to add it to our collection. With the support of the Art Fund, the Friends of the Smith and many people, businesses and societies, we were able to bring Wallace to Stirling, scene of his greatest triumph.

Production date 1661 - 1720

Object nameOil Painting

Painting

MaterialOil/Canvas

TechniquePainted

Dimensions

image Height: 890 mm
image Width: 1220 mm
frame Height: 1060 mm
frame Width: 1380 mm