Framed Engraving of Robert Burns in his farmhouse composing

Robert Burns composing 'The Cotter's Saturday Night'

Introduction:

Robert Burns, Scotland's National Poet, was born in a small thatched cottage in Alloway, Ayrshire on 25th. January 1759. He was the son of a market gardener who as a farmer was to compose a wealth of songs and poems in his relatively short life. He died in Dumfries of heart disease in 1796.

Image Rights Holder:

National Trust for Scotland

Ref:

BMT531

Project:

198:The History of Robert Burns at Alloway

Material:

Paper

Dimensions:

43cm x 34cm

What:

Framed Engraving of Robert Burns in his farmhouse composing

Subject:

The engraving shown is by John Burnet after Sir William Allan, RSA, 1838. Several of this type of engraving showing the Poet composing at a desk in his farmhouse were produced in the 18th Century and this is a typical example.

Who:

Robert Burns (poet)

Robert Burns (poet)

Sir William Allan, RSA (artist)

John Burnet (artist)

When:

1838

Where:

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, South Ayrshire

Background:

The engraving shown is by John Burnet after Sir William Allan, RSA, 1838. Several of this type of engraving showing the Poet composing at a desk in his farmhouse were produced in the 18th Century and this is a typical example.

Description:

This poem Burns is seen composing in the farmhouse at Mossgiel Farm, Mauchline, Ayrshire during the Winter of 1785-86. For the ' Cotter's Saturday Night' Burns used the Spensarian stanza popular in 18th. Century. for sentimental poetry extolling the merits of rustic simplicity.