The Hunterian Museum with the Statue of James Watt
Wallace Stewart, 1850–1880
This painting represents the interior of William Stark's demolished Hunterian Museum, named after Dr William Hunter (1718-83) who bequeathed a wide range of material including works of art to the University. The Museum was opened in 1807 in Stark's fine Neo-classical temple. The present Hunterian Museum contains the statue of Watt by Chantrey, the Newcomen Engine as modified by Watt and the early 19th-century chairs to be seen in the picture. This is also a highly interesting genre painting in representing two artisans admiring Chantrey's statue and studying the origin of Watt's most significant invention.
More information
Title of artwork, date
The Hunterian Museum with the Statue of James Watt, 1850–1880
Date supported
1988
Medium and material
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
54 x 46 cm
Grant
871
Total cost
1986
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