David Hume (1711–1776)
David Hume (1711–1776)
David Hume (1711–1776)
David Hume (1711–1776)
David Hume (1711–1776)
David Hume (1711–1776)
David Hume (1711–1776)
David Hume (1711–1776)

© the artist. Image credit: Gordon Baird

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Notes

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The philosopher is shown seated in a toga-like costume, the voluminous folds of which are draped over his legs, waist and left shoulder, leaving most of his chest and arms uncovered. His pose replicates the semi-reclining ‘slouch’ of an ancient Greek Epicurean thinker. His left elbow is drawn back while his right hand reaches forward to grip the top of an un-inscribed tablet, propped on his right thigh.
Title

David Hume (1711–1776)

Date

1995–1997

Medium

bronze, Clashach sandstone & Duntilland stone

Measurements

Plinth: H 160 x W 120 x D 200 cm

Accession number

EH1_GB_S010

Acquisition method

commissioned by the Saltire Society

Work type

Statue

Owner

City of Edinburgh Council

Custodian

City of Edinburgh Council

Work status

extant

Unveiling date

30th November 1997

Access

at all times

Inscription description

HUME; on bronze plaque attached to rear of pedestal: 1711 DAVID HUME 1776 / PHILOSOPHER AND HISTORIAN: SCOT AND EUROPEAN: MAN OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT / THIS STATUE WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE SALTIRE SOCIETY TO MARK ITS SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND UNVEILED AS PART OF / THE CITY OF EDINBURGH’S REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ROYAL MILE ON 30TH NOVEMBER 1997 / BY PROFESSOR STEWART SUTHERLAND FBA FRSE / PRINCIPAL AND VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH. —— ERECTED WITH THE GENEROUS HELP OF / BANK OF SCOTLAND, TO MARK ITS TERCENTENARY. / SCOTTISH ARTS COUNCIL NATIONAL LOTTERY FUND, / THE FACULTY OF ADVOCATES, FOR WHICH HUME WAS KEEPER OF THE LIBRARY, 1752-1757 / THE ESMÉE FAIRBAIRN CHARITABLE TRUST / AND TRUSTS, CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS, AND SUPPORTERS IN MANY COUNTRIES. [On the plaque are also the logos of the Saltire Society and the Bank of Scotland.]

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Located at

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

EH1 1RN

Outside the High Court on the Royal Mile.