#thomas duncan

Thomas Duncan - The Waefu' Heart (1841)

Duncan lived in Edinburgh and specialised in Scottish subjects. The title means 'the woeful heart' in Scots. It was exhibited with lines from a traditional ballad, ‘Auld Robin Gray’. After marrying a wealthy older man, the heroine of the tale was heartbroken when her long-lost lover returned.

This painting was Duncan’s first to be exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. He chose a scene from Shakespeare’s ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’ (1602), presumably to appeal to an English audience. Anne Page is an eligible bride whom Slender has been persuaded to court by his cousin Shallow, although Slender is not in fact particularly interested in marrying her. Here, Anne dutifully invites Slender to join their group and dine on venison pie, but the shy and uncouth Slender tries to evade the awkward invitation. Duncan has twisted Slender’s figure, capturing his awkwardness and lack of sophistication compared to the charming relaxed figure of Anne. Her loyal dog, ignoring the huge pie behind him, senses Slender’s indifference towards his mistress, and blocks his passage into the house.

Thomas Duncan (1807–1845), Braan, a Celebrated Scottish Deerhound. Oil on canvas.

Thomas Duncan (1807-1845) - Self_Portrait

Thomas Duncan, 1838

Thomas Duncan, 1839

4k UHD footage shot at Silo Park, Auckland, New Zealand in september 2016. All footage taken on a DJI Phantom 3 4k. Music by http://bit.ly/2d1B8Is