The Daft Highland Laird (James Robertson), John Dhu (a member of the Town Guard), and Jamie Duff (an Idiot) 1784

John Kay's etching, "The Daft Highland Laird, John Dhu, and Jamie Duff," presents us with a study in contrasts and social commentary. The composition places three figures in close proximity, their distinct characteristics rendered with sharp, caricatured lines. Kay masterfully uses line to define each figure's unique identity and social standing. From the elaborate headwear of the Laird to the more subdued attire of the other figures, line becomes a tool for social differentiation. Note the staff of the Laird, topped with a carved head: this doubling of form adds a layer of complexity, suggesting a doubling of the self. The arrangement of the figures, almost in a procession, creates a sense of narrative, hinting at the social dynamics at play. This careful construction invites us to consider the roles of the individual within the broader societal framework. What values and hierarchies are being subtly questioned or reinforced through Kay’s formal choices? The meaning is never fixed, always open to questioning.