Composition with Two Highlanders (from Sketchbook) 1810 - 1820

Thomas Sully's pen and ink sketch presents us with figures adorned in Scottish Highland attire, symbols of identity and romanticism. The kilt, sporran, and feathered bonnet, stand as emblems of Scottish heritage and the Highland clans. The Highlander, with his commanding stance and outstretched arm, echoes classical orators. The motif of pointing can be traced back to ancient art, signifying leadership, direction, and, at times, accusation. We observe it across different eras. Consider, for instance, the gesture of John the Baptist in Renaissance paintings, and its recurrence in political propaganda, each time carrying echoes of its prior uses, evolving in meaning yet rooted in the collective memory. In Sully's sketch, the Highlander evokes this lineage, albeit softened by the romantic lens through which Scottish culture was viewed in the 19th century. This romanticism, like any cultural symbol, operates on a deeper, psychological level, tapping into our subconscious fascination with identity. These symbols are not static; they evolve, resurface, and gain new significance as they journey through time.