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George Dunbar

Sir John Watson Gordon PRSA, RA

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Artist Sir John Watson Gordon PRSA, RA (Scottish b.1788, d.1864)
Title George Dunbar
Period 20th century
Description Three-quarter length portrait of Dunbar, shown full face. He is seated so that his body is placed diagonally across the canvas. He is dressed in black, which contrasts with the red of the background. With his left hand he clasps a book while his right, holding a pencil, rests on the arm of the chair. Entered the University of Edinburgh as a student of classics, through the kindness of a neighbouring landowner. Dunbar became a tutor in the family of Lord Provost Fettes, through whose influence he became assistant to Dlaziel and finally Professor of Greek on Dalziel's death in 1806. He held the Chair for forty-six years. In the annals of University history Dunbar has been eclipsed by the brilliance of his predecessor Dalziel and the glory of his successor, John Stuart Blackie. He was less versatile than either and took a less prominent part in affairs. Nevertheless he was a conscientious Professor and an industrious scholar.
Material canvas (textile material)/textile materials/materials (substances) ; oil paint (paint)/paint (coating)
Dimensions 127 x 101.6 cm
Type Painting
Subject M.A. George Dunbar (b.1774, d.1851)
Collection Art Collection
Classification oil paintings (visual works) ; paintings 1801-1900 ; portrait
Accession Number EU0056



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