The Monarch Of The Glen

I took a wee turn in to the Paisley Museum and Galleries the other day for a look at 'The Monarch Of The Glen'. This fantastic work by Edwin Landseer, painted around 1851, is taking a hurl through a few of Scotland's smaller galleries, in thanks for the purchase of it, partly from public funds and donations.

There are mixed opinions as to what this piece means to modern day Scots - some say it's 'majestic', others that it's 'kitsch', yet others that say it's reminiscent of Scotland being the playground of rich victorian imperialist Englishmen - a place suited for 'hunting, shooting, and fishing'.

I think it's rather a beautiful piece, reminding me of the spirit of the Scots - majestic, proud, firm and true. It's a wee bit melancholic though, as the bonnie beast was probably shot, and it's heiid now slowly turning to dust, hinging off the wall of some crumbling stately home down south.

It also raised a wry smile in me that there's a version of the painting in the American sitcom 'Schitt'$ Creek'. It 's placed behind the reception desk - have a peek, next time you'e watching, it's available on netflix in the UK.

Wonder what Stevie and Johnny Rose would think of this?

The majestic Scottish beastie in all his glory! And a stag.

I hope you get a chance to see 'The Monarch Of The Glen' in person. It's in Paisley Museum until the 11th of March, and then at Kirkcudbright Galleries from 11 May until 27 June 2018.There's a whole fun exhibition built around the piece with versions of the work in various styles - lego, pop art and minecraft to name a few

Have a fun day and speak soon

​Davy