Looking up Strathspey, Highlands 

James Campbell Noble painted "Looking up Strathspey, Highlands" to capture the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape. Born in Edinburgh in 1845, Noble was a key figure in the late 19th-century Scottish art scene, which often sought to define a distinct national identity through romanticized depictions of its land. During this time, the Highlands had become a powerful symbol, evoking both a sense of freedom and a connection to a mythologized past. Notice how Noble uses soft brushstrokes and a muted palette to create a melancholic yet peaceful scene, emphasizing the solitude of the Scottish landscape. However, this romantic vision often obscured the socio-economic realities of the time, such as the Highland Clearances, where tenant farmers were evicted to make way for sheep farming. As you reflect on this painting, consider how it both celebrates and perhaps idealizes a specific version of Scottish identity.