Edinburgh Castle from the Grassmarket
David Roberts (1796–1864)
Laing Art Gallery
Date 1837
Medium oil on panel
Measurements H 50.5 x W 40 cm
Accession number TWCMS : B8114
Acquisition method bequeathed by John Lamb, 1909
The artist has composed the picture to focus attention on the ancient castle, lit by golden light and backed by a pale blue sky. It makes a strong contrast with the daker, crowded scene of ordinary life going on below.
David Roberts painted many city views. He was born near Edinburgh, and painted this lively picture in the middle of his career. Pictures of everyday life were particularly popular in Scotland.