Scottish Blog

1803-1869

Robert Scott Lauder was a Scottish painter, who was greatly renowned at the time.

Robert Scott Lauder was born on the 25th of June 1803, in the Silvermills House in Edinburgh. His father was relatively wealthy at the time, being an owner of a local tannery. This wealth allowed Robert Scott Lauder a comparatively easy life. He spent a large portion of his early life in London with his older brother.

At the age of 23, Robert Scott Lauder returned to Edinburgh from London. At this point he had already established himself as a prominent artist and had been commissioned to create some works. Most notable of these at this point was a portrait of his brother, Henry Lauder.
In 1830 Robert Scott Lauder was elected to be a member of the Royal Scottish Academy, which is an academy of contemporary Scottish art. His election was also made him one of the original Academy members.

Robert Scott Lauder married in 1833. Soon after he followed his brother and travelled throughout Europe, where he studied art. Before returning to Edinburgh, Robert Scott Lauder spent a number of years living in London. In London he created his “Christ walking on water” painting, which he submitted a competition with the Royal Scottish Academy.
Upon his return to Scotland, Robert Scott Lauder created what are arguably his most notable works, these include:

Scene from The Bride of Lammermoor
The Trial of Effie Deans
Meg Merrilies
Hannah presenting Samuel to Eli
Mother and Child

The works of Robert Scott Lauder stopped in 1861 when he suffered a paralytic stroke. He died on April the 21st 1869 from bronchitis.

See also: Famous Scots.