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Scottish Enlightenment Collection

The Scottish Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and cultural flourishing in Scotland during the 18th century, brought forth some of the greatest minds in history

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: David Hume

David Hume
3782433 David Hume by Chesterton, Gilbert Keith (1874-1936); (add.info.: David Hume by Gilbert Keith Chesterton. The accompanying verse reads That you have all heard of Hume / I tacitly assume; / But)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Adam Smith, 1790 (engraving)

Adam Smith, 1790 (engraving)
3617895 Adam Smith, 1790 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: Adam Smith FRSA (1723-90) was a Scottish economist, philosopher, author, moral philosopher

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Adam Smith, The Author of The Wealth of Nations (engraving)

Adam Smith, The Author of The Wealth of Nations (engraving)
811096 Adam Smith, The Author of The Wealth of Nations (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Adam Smith, The Author of The Wealth of Nations)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Portrait of Thomas Reid (engraving)

Portrait of Thomas Reid (engraving)
819995 Portrait of Thomas Reid (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Thomas Reid, philosopher)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Portrait of David Hume, illustration from David Humes

Portrait of David Hume, illustration from David Humes
STC429637 Portrait of David Hume, illustration from David Humes The History of England, pub. by R. Bowyer, London, 1812 (engraving) by English School

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Scottish Penny commemorating Adam Smith (obverse), 1797 (copper

Scottish Penny commemorating Adam Smith (obverse), 1797 (copper
XJF448269 Scottish Penny commemorating Adam Smith (obverse), 1797 (copper) (for reverse see XJF448270) by Scottish School

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Francis Hutcheson, c. 1740-45 (oil on canvas)

Francis Hutcheson, c. 1740-45 (oil on canvas)
1267907 Francis Hutcheson, c.1740-45 (oil on canvas) by Ramsay, Allan (1713-84); 125.7x101.3 cm; The Hunterian, University of Glasgow, Scotland; (add.info.: The Rev)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: An Eminent Judge of Broom Besoms!! 1805 (engraving)

An Eminent Judge of Broom Besoms!! 1805 (engraving)
3086761 An Eminent Judge of Broom Besoms!! 1805 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: Old John Tait the Besom maker who Travelled the Country begging)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: A New Way of Preserving Heath and Beauty, illustration taken from Ramblers Magazine'

A New Way of Preserving Heath and Beauty, illustration taken from Ramblers Magazine"
XJF867977 A New Way of Preserving Heath and Beauty, illustration taken from " Ramblers Magazine", 1786 (etching) by King, Haynes (1831-1904); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: James Burnett, Lord Monboddo, 1825 (engraving)

James Burnett, Lord Monboddo, 1825 (engraving)
KW441322 James Burnett, Lord Monboddo, 1825 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: illustration from Crabbs Historical Dictionary depicting James Burnett)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Adam Smith (engraving)

Adam Smith (engraving)
XJF343186 Adam Smith (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: Smith (1723-90); Scottish social philosopher and economist; author of The Wealth of Nations

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Fowls of a Feather flock Together, 1785 (engraving)

Fowls of a Feather flock Together, 1785 (engraving)
XJF2906497 Fowls of a Feather flock Together, 1785 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: Vincent Lunardi taking farewell of his friends before ascending in the balloon)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Patent for Knighthood: Henry Dundas and Sir James Stirling, 1792 (engraving)

Patent for Knighthood: Henry Dundas and Sir James Stirling, 1792 (engraving)
XJF2906491 Patent for Knighthood: Henry Dundas and Sir James Stirling, 1792 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Byrne, the Irish Giant, Mr. Watson, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Fairholme, and Geordie Cranstoun

Byrne, the Irish Giant, Mr. Watson, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Fairholme, and Geordie Cranstoun
XJF2906490 Byrne, the Irish Giant, Mr. Watson, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Fairholme, and Geordie Cranstoun, 1784 (engraving) by Kay

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Three Giants with a group of spectators, 1784 (engraving)

Three Giants with a group of spectators, 1784 (engraving)
XJF2906489 Three Giants with a group of spectators, 1784 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Mr C-m-l the jolly presenter of the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, c. 1781 (engraving)

Mr C-m-l the jolly presenter of the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, c. 1781 (engraving)
XJF2906487 Mr C-m-l the jolly presenter of the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, c.1781 (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Precentor John Campbell)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Dr John Brown, 1786 (engraving)

Dr John Brown, 1786 (engraving)
XJF2906485 Dr John Brown, 1786 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: Probably from A series of original portraits and caricature etchings by the late John Kay)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Joseph Black, 1787 (engraving)

Joseph Black, 1787 (engraving)
XJF2906484 Joseph Black, 1787 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: Probably from A series of original portraits and caricature etchings by the late John Kay)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Angelo Tremamondo, 1788 (engraving)

Angelo Tremamondo, 1788 (engraving)
XJF2906483 Angelo Tremamondo, 1788 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: Probably from A series of original portraits and caricature etchings by the late John Kay)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Philosophers, 1787 (engraving)

Philosophers, 1787 (engraving)
XJF2906482 Philosophers, 1787 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: James Hutton and Joseph Black Probably from A series of original portraits)

Background imageScottish Enlightenment Collection: Citizen M. C. Browne, 1794 (engraving)

Citizen M. C. Browne, 1794 (engraving)
XJF2906481 Citizen M.C.Browne, 1794 (engraving) by Kay, John (1742-1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: Probably from A series of original portraits and caricature etchings by the late John Kay)


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The Scottish Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and cultural flourishing in Scotland during the 18th century, brought forth some of the greatest minds in history. From philosophers like David Hume to economists like Adam Smith, these thinkers revolutionized various fields and left an indelible mark on human knowledge. David Hume, known for his skepticism and empiricism, challenged traditional beliefs with his groundbreaking ideas. His portrait captures the essence of a man deeply immersed in contemplation, seeking truth through reason and observation. Adam Smith, often referred to as the father of modern economics, is depicted both as an author and on a commemorative penny. The engravings symbolize his profound impact on economic theory with "The Wealth of Nations" while also honoring his contributions to society. Francis Hutcheson's oil painting showcases another influential figure from this era. As a moral philosopher who emphasized benevolence and natural rights, he played a crucial role in shaping ethical thought during the Enlightenment. Thomas Reid's engraving portrays him as an esteemed philosopher whose work focused on common sense philosophy. He sought to challenge skeptics by asserting that our perceptions are reliable sources of knowledge. Intriguingly titled engravings such as "An Eminent Judge of Broom Besoms. " highlight not only the serious intellectual pursuits but also the humor prevalent during this time. It reminds us that even great minds can appreciate lightheartedness amidst their scholarly endeavors. Lord Monboddo's engraving depicts him deep in thought—a testament to his reputation as one of Scotland's most prominent legal scholars. His influence extended beyond law into anthropology and linguistics. Lastly, an illustration from Ramblers Magazine shows how diverse interests were embraced during this period. A focus on preserving health and beauty reflects societal advancements alongside intellectual progress. The Scottish Enlightenment was truly a golden age where brilliant minds flourished across various disciplines—philosophy, economics, law, and more.