James Macpherson Collection

The Spirit of Culmin Appears to his Mother (From the Songs of Ossian), c.1794. Creator: Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard
The Spirit of Culmin Appears to his Mother (From the Songs of Ossian), c.1794. Scene from epic poetry by James Macpherson

Fingal's Cave, 1772. Creator: John Cleveley the Younger
Fingal's Cave, 1772

Head study for "Arindal and Daura", around 1820/1855. Creator: Johann Peter Krafft
Head study for "Arindal and Daura", around 1820/1855

Hand study for "Arindal and Daura", around 1820/1855. Creator: Johann Peter Krafft
Hand study for "Arindal and Daura", around 1820/1855

Head study for "Arindal and Daura", around 1820/1855. Creator: Johann Peter Krafft
Head study for "Arindal and Daura", around 1820/1855

Hand study for "Ossian and Malvina", before 1821. Creator: Johann Peter Krafft
Hand study for "Ossian and Malvina", before 1821

Oscar's death, 1828. Creator: Frederik Ludvig Storch
Oscar's death, 1828

Dar-Thula (engraving)
1619642 Dar-Thula (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dar-Thula. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 27 July 1861)

Ossian Playing the Harp (pen and gray ink on ivory)
989693 Ossian Playing the Harp (pen and gray ink on ivory) by Karpff, Jean-Jacques Casimir (1770-1829); 128x98 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Ossian Playing the Harp)

Fingals Cave, Staffa, c1870. Basalt sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa in Scotland, known by a poem by James Macpherson. In Irish mythology, Fingal is known as Fionn mac Cumhaill

The Cave of a Warrior Hero, c1948. Creator: Unknown
The Cave of a Warrior Hero, c1948. From " Newnes Pictorial Knowledge Volume 3". [George Newnes Limited, London]

James Macpherson, 1825 (engraving)
KW441307 James Macpherson, 1825 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: illustration from Crabbs Historical Dictionary depicting James Macpherson (1736-96)

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James Macpherson was a Scottish poet and writer who is best known for his controversial work "Ossian", which claimed to be translations of ancient Gaelic poems. Despite the skepticism surrounding the authenticity of these works, Macpherson's influence on Romantic literature cannot be denied. His epic poems inspired many writers and artists of his time, including Goethe and Napoleon Bonaparte. Born in 1736 in Inverness-shire, Scotland, Macpherson studied at Aberdeen University before embarking on a career as a writer. His poetic talent caught the attention of scholars and literary figures alike, leading him to publish several volumes of poetry that gained widespread acclaim. However, it was his "Ossian" poems that truly cemented his legacy in literary history. These works were said to be based on ancient Celtic legends and folklore, but their authenticity has been hotly debated over the years. Regardless of their origins, Macpherson's lyrical prose and vivid imagery captivated readers across Europe and beyond. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, James Macpherson remains an important figure in Scottish literature. His contributions to Romanticism continue to inspire generations of poets and writers today.