John Scougal facts for kids
John Scougal (born 1645, died 1730) was a talented Scottish painter. He was known for painting many portraits of important people during his time.
A Painter's Life
John Scougal was related to some well-known people. His cousin was Patrick Scougal, who became a Bishop of Aberdeen. Another cousin was John Scougal, Lord Whitekirk, a judge. John Scougal was likely born in a town called Leith. Some of his paintings were still in the Town Hall there many years later.
In the late 1600s, John Scougal had a house and art studio in Edinburgh. It was in a busy area called the Advocates' Close. He added an upper floor to his house just for his studio. This shows how dedicated he was to his art!
Scougal was a very busy artist. He had many people wanting him to paint their portraits. Sometimes, because he had so much work, he might have painted a bit quickly. For example, in 1698, he copied a famous painting of George Heriot. This copy now hangs in the council room of George Heriot's School.
The city of Glasgow owns three of his large paintings. These show King William III, Queen Mary, and Queen Anne. The painting of Queen Mary is considered one of his best. It is well-drawn and has good colors.
Records from Glasgow show that the city bought the paintings of William and Mary from "Mr Scougal, limner (painter) in Edinburgh." A "limner" was an old word for a painter. They paid him £27 for them in 1708. Later, in 1712, they paid him £15 for the painting of Queen Anne. These records also suggest that John Scougal had a son who was also named John.
John Scougal lived to be 85 years old. He passed away in Prestonpans in 1730.
Famous Works
Here are some of the paintings John Scougal created:
- Elizabeth Lauder (1669) - This painting is now at Thirlestane Castle.
- Richard Lauder (1669) - Also found at Thirlestane Castle.
- Archibald Primrose, Lord Carrington (1670) - This painting is part of Lord Rosebery's collection.
- Sir Thomas Steuart (around 1685) - You can see this at the University of Edinburgh Art Collection.
- Two portraits of John Leslie, 8th Earl of Rothes.
- George Heriot (1698) - A copy of an older painting.
- Two paintings of ancestors of the Clerks of Penicuik.
- Isabel, daughter of Charles Maitland (1706) - This is still with the family.
- King William III (1707–08) - Part of the Glasgow collection.
- Queen Mary (1707–08) - Also in the Glasgow collection.
- Queen Anne (1712) - Another painting in the Glasgow collection.
Images for kids
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The house of John Scougal (left) at the foot of Advocates Close
