Alison Watt: A Portrait Without Likeness

The first appearance in print of a series of brand new paintings by Alison Watt revisits and explores the work of popular 18th-century artist, Allan Ramsay.A fascinating melding of 18th- and 21st-century Scottish artA beautiful book which, in its design, reflects the delicacy of Allan Ramsay's work Published to accompany an exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery from June to October, 2020 In a series of brand new paintings, renowned artist, Alison Watt, responds to the paintings and drawings of 18th-century Scottish artist Allan Ramsay. The new works are particularly inspired by Ramsay's wonderful and much-loved painting of his wife, but also consider some seldom seen drawings from Ramsay's 1755-57 sketchbook. Watt's response is made through a series of interpretations in her own style, while developing a great appreciation of the remarkable delicacy in Ramsay's work. The new paintings and historical portraits and drawings are accompanied by a statement from the artist and commentaries on the works featured in the book. While offering a fresh and modern perspective on the historical works of one of Scotland's outstanding portraitists, this book also reveals insight into how one of today's leading artists looks at and is inspired by the art of the past.