Niel Gow, Violinist and Composer, with his Brother Donald Gow, Cellist 1780

Editor: This is David Allan’s “Niel Gow, Violinist and Composer, with his Brother Donald Gow, Cellist,” painted around 1780, using oil. It's surprisingly intimate for a formal portrait; there’s a real sense of lived-in comfort between the brothers. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond its apparent genre-painting elements, I see a portrait subtly challenging the social hierarchies of its time. Note the Scottish kilts and informal setting; Allan seems to be elevating folk musicians, rooting them within a broader discourse about Scottish identity in the face of increasing anglicization. What does it mean to depict these men as cultivated artists instead of mere entertainers? Editor: So, it’s not just a record of these musicians, but a statement? I hadn’t considered the political implications of their attire. Curator: Precisely. Allan painted this during the Scottish Enlightenment, a period of intense intellectual and cultural ferment. How might their music have intersected with debates around national identity, class, and the role of tradition in a rapidly modernizing society? Look closely, and what do you think about their attire, it seems almost performative? Editor: Good point. I guess I saw it as simply documenting the style of the time, but you're right; it feels intentional. Highlighting their Scottish heritage during a period of cultural suppression becomes an act of resistance through representation. Curator: Exactly. Allan doesn’t simply depict musicians; he paints a claim for their cultural importance. Recognizing this enriches our viewing experience, making this more than just an image of brothers playing music. Editor: I’ll never see a "simple" portrait again! It's fascinating to consider how clothing, setting, and artistic choices contribute to complex cultural narratives. Curator: That’s the joy of art history – continually unearthing the layers of meaning within. I learned more than I was expecting to and will use this example with other students.