Ossian

Johan Frederik Clemens Danish, born Pomerania

Author Related author James Macpherson British, Scottish

1787

Not on view

While published in London, this print was designed and engraved by Danish artists. It represents a central character in "The Works of Ossian" (1765) by the Scottish poet, James Macpherson. We see the mythical blind bard seated on a log in the woods, playing his harp and singing as his beard and cloak swirl in the wind. Ossian (or Oisin) was son to Finn McCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill). Macpherson claimed to have collected the poetic text from ancient sources and translated them, but modern scholars believe that he actually wrote the text himself, inspired by Gaelic poetry. The print is dedicated to Hugh Elliott, British envoy to the Danish Court who must have supported its publication.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Ossian
Artist: Johan Frederik Clemens (Danish (born Pomerania), Gollnow 1748–1831 Copenhagen)
Artist: After Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard (Danish, Copenhangen 1743–1809 Frederiksdal)
Author: Related author James Macpherson (British, Ruthven, Inverness-shire, Scotland 1736–1796 Belville, Inverness-shire)
Date: 1787
Medium: Etching and engraving
Dimensions: Image: 9 3/4 × 7 3/4 in. (24.8 × 19.7 cm)
Sheet: 12 7/8 in. × 9 in. (32.7 × 22.9 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1962
Object Number: 62.602.670
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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