Allan, DAVID,

Allan, DAVID, a Scottish painter, Wilkie's forerunner, was born at Alloa in 1744. From 1755 to 1762, he studied at the academy for painting and engraving established in Glasgow by the printer Foulis; and in 1764 the liberality of friends enabled him to go to Rome, where he resided sixteen years. There in 1773 he gained the gold medal of St Luke's Academy for the best historical composition. His subject was the 'Origin of Painting, or the Corinthian Maid drawing the Shadow of her Lover.' This picture, the highest effort of Allan's powers, was engraved by Cunego, and is now in the National Gallery at Edinburgh. In 1777 Allan came to London, where he painted portraits; in 1780 he removed to Edinburgh, and in 1786 succeeded Runciman at the head of the art academy there. His works subsequent to this date were chiefly of a humorous description, and illustrative of Scottish domestic life. His illustrations of Allan Ramsay's Gentle Shepherd became very popular, but are of no great merit. He died at Edinburgh, 6th August 1796.