© National Galleries of Scotland
Alexander III of Scotland rescued from the Fury of a Stag
Artist: Benjamin West (1738 - 1820)
Location: National Gallery of Scotland
Date: 1784 - 1786
Materials: oil on canvas
Dimensions: 368 x 522 cm
Grant:
Amount Paid: £50,000 (Total: £575,627)
Vendor: Sotheby's
Review number: 3369 (1988)
Provenance:
Commissioned by Francis Humberston Mackenzie (1745-1815) later Viscount Seaforth & Baron Mackenzie of Kintall; remained in the Mackenzie family seat, Brahan Castle until demolished in 1952; lent to Fortrose Town Council by Madeline, Countess of Seaforth.
Description:
This vast painting illustrates the legend from the history of the Clan Mackenzie. Alexander III of Scotland was out hunting with Colin Fitzgerald, founder of the Clan. The King was attacked by a stag and saved by Fitzgerald who killed the stag by spearing the beast through the forehead. In gratitude Alexander granted Fitzgerald the lands of Kintail in Ross and the McKenzie armorial bearings show a stag bleeding from the forehead.
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