The Moriston River 

John Henderson painted this image of the Moriston River in oils sometime between 1860 and 1924. Henderson was a Scottish artist painting during a period of heightened nationalism in Scotland. The late 19th and early 20th century saw a revival of interest in Scottish culture and identity, particularly in the Highlands. This was reflected in art, literature, and music, where the romantic imagery of the Highlands became a symbol of national pride. Henderson’s choice of subject matter – a rushing river surrounded by autumnal woodland – aligns with this broader cultural movement. Note the absence of people. Nature is presented as an unspoiled retreat from industrial society, reinforcing the idea of the Highlands as a place apart, a sanctuary of natural beauty. To fully understand the painting’s significance, we might consider how it fits into the broader history of landscape painting in Scotland, and what sources Henderson drew upon. We might also compare this image with those produced by his contemporaries. This would give us a clearer sense of Henderson's perspective on Scottish identity and the social and cultural forces that shaped it.