DK Travel : Scotland : National Gallery of Scotland

National Gallery of Scotland

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A striking Neoclassical building midway along Edinburgh’s Princes Street, the National Gallery defies you to miss it. Widely regarded as one of the finest smaller galleries in the world, this collection is a manageable concentration of excellence. Housed here are works by the greatest names in Western art – Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens and Monet, to name but a few – as well as the most comprehensive array of Scottish masterpieces. While some galleries tend to intimidate, this one is refreshingly intimate.

Top 10 Sights

1. The Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child

The painting’s brilliant range of tones has now been revealed following careful restoration. An unusual Botticelli work for having been painted on canvas and not wood.
2. The Three Graces

One of the world’s most famous sculptures, the sisterly trio of nudes was commissioned by the Duke of Bedford in 1815. Canova has all but turned marble into living flesh.
3. An Old Woman Cooking Eggs

Velazquez’ creation of mood through strong contrast was unprecedented in Spain when he produced this work in 1618.
4. Rev Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch

One of the most celebrated paintings by a Scottish painter. The fun-loving minister depicted is believed to have been a member of the prestigious Edinburgh Skating Club.
5. Seven Sacraments

The seven works depicting the rites of Christianity evoke grand theatricality; they are considered the finest pieces by Nicolas Pousssin, founder of French Classical painting.
6. Italian Renaissance Paintings

Works by Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael stand out. Leonardo’s drawing of Studies of a Dog’s Paw shows his ability to convey a world in a few strokes, while Raphael’s Bridgewater Madonna is alive with tenderness.
7. Scottish Painters

Look for the superb portraits by Ramsay, Raeburn and Guthrie, and Pitlessie Fair painted at the age of 16 by Sir David Wilkie. Autumn in Glen cairn is an outstanding work by James Paterson.
8. Classic Portraits

The pick of the best must include Rembrandt’s world-weary Self-Portrait aged 51 , Gainsborough’s 1777 hit at the Royal Academy The Honourable Mrs Graham , and Van Dyck’s The Lomellini Family , complete with a capering dog. Another favourite is Wilkie’s The Greenwich Pensioner .
9. The Impressionists

Of the 5 Monets here, A Seascape, Shipping by Moonlight is a rare palette knife and brush application, while Poplars on the Epte is vintage Monet. Degas’ A Group of Dancers also features.
10. Playfair’s Building

William Playfair chose a Neoclassical style to link Old and New Edinburgh. He also built the neighbouring Royal Scottish Academy and the two buildings have recently been joined.

Practical Information

Throughout the year a special free bus, departing from The Mound, runs between Edinburgh’s four principal galleries, including The National. A short walk away is a cornucopia of healthy food at the renowned Henderson’s Salad Bar, 94 Hanover St. The Mound (0131) 624 6200 www.nationalgalleries.org 10am–5pm Fri–Wed, 10am–7pm Thu (extended during the Festival) Free except for special exhibitions