Jacobite Art at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery - till May 1st 2020

Splendid Art Exhibition - including 'Prince Charles Edward baptised'

This dramatic exhibition considers the Jacobites - those loyal to the deposed Stuart dynasty at home and abroad until Henry's death in 1807. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery has the most extensive and significant collection of Jacobite visual material in the world.

The term ‘Jacobite’ derives from ‘Jacobus’, the Latin form of James, and describes those who supported James VII and II, the exiled Catholic monarch of Scotland, England and Ireland, and his heirs.

Jacobitism was launched as a political and ideological cause by the birth of a son to King James in 1688 and the subsequent coup d’état led by English nobility and his Protestant son-in-law, William of Orange abetted by James' own daughter, Mary II. And then again by his second daughter, Anne - [her reign lately recounted by OSCAR winner Olivia Coleman].

For over 100 years Jacobitism was a major factor in European affairs and it was responsible for the last battles on British soil. This fascinating display focuses on the way Jacobites presented themselves in portraiture. It includes portraits of Prince Charles Edward and Flora MacDonald.


Painting above is by Antonio David, The Baptism of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, 1725

In April, the Gallery also presented a new portrait of the youthful, teenage Prince in Rome




Gallery Open 10-5 pm daily: Admission free