Baptism in Scotland 1850 by John Phillip

Acquisition of painting by John Phillip (1817-67). Depicts a family baptism taking place in a Highland home. At least three or four generations of the family are incorporated into his elaborate composition. Although painted in 1850 there are details in the picture that make explicit reference to the Jacobite Risings of 1745. This date has been embroidered on the corner of the linen table cloth and on the elderly woman's pocket on the far right. In addition, the budding and full-blown roses on the windowsill are well known symbols of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his father, the 'Old Pretender'. Such details place the picture in a historical context but it is typical of the Victorian period that these details do not take precedence over the anecdotal aspects of the picture. The viewer ultimately focuses on the character and relationships of the family members.