| Description Of Item | This bust is the work of the highly regarded Scottish sculptor Sir John Steell (1804-1891). The bust depicts MacLagan, draped in robes, in a neoclassical style. This contrasts with Steell's bust of Begbie, which is also found in the College's collection, as Steell depicted Begbie in contemporary, rather than classical, dress. The two busts therefore provide the opportunity to compare elements of Steell's style, as it has been contended that his depictions of contemporary garments recalled those of the fall of classical robes. Both busts also display Steell's refined style and it could be argued that they also show a tendency to idealise the subject.
A second bust of MacLagan is also found in the College's collection.
Artist: Steell, Sir John |