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Framed painting 'Tam Pursu’d by the Witches', by John Drummond

Key details

Object number
3.8042
Date
1870
On display
No
Maker
Drummond, John (Artist)

Description

A painting depicting Tam o'Shanter on his horse Meg pursued over the Brig o' Doon by the witch Nannie within a dark oval background and with two witches in the upper corners. Oil on panel. In giltwood frame, embellished with floral decorations.

This painting of Burns's Tam o' Shanter character by John Drummond, RSA depicts the scene where the drunken farmer on his horse Meg is pursued over the Brig o' Doon by the witch Nannie ("Cutty Sark"). This comic tale is perhaps the most famous of the works of Robert Burns.

Drummond’s vivid painting captures the frantic climax of the witches’ chase in Tam o’ Shanter. Tam escapes over the brig with his tail between his legs, which is more than can be said for his poor horse Meg, whose tail is captured by the witches as Tam rides upon her.

Object information

Acquisition

1982

Measurements

  • Depth: 9(cm)
  • Height: 45.6(cm)
  • Height: 68.5(cm)
  • Width: 55.2(cm)
  • Width: 79(cm)