Note: Your tags will not be submitted until you login Create account?
Exit
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

What things, ideas or objects can you see in this artwork?

i

Things are objects or ideas portrayed in the artwork. For example: apple, dog, smile, celebration, etc.

What do we mean by ‘things’?
Can you find what you’re tagging from this list? If so, please select it.
There are records to display, please narrow your criteria
Add as many tags as you want Need help?

Things you’ve added

You can click a tag below to remove it.

Things added by others

Review approved things

The ‘things’ below have been verified, but you can still challenge and report them if you think they are incorrect or inappropriate.

Can you name any people depicted in this artwork?

i

People are the names of figures depicted in the artwork. For example: Queen Victoria, Charles Darwin, Florence Nightingale, etc.

What do we mean by ‘people’?
Can you find what you’re tagging from this list? If so, please select it.
There are records to display, please narrow your criteria
Add as many tags as you want Need help?

People you’ve added

You can click a tag below to remove it.

People added by others

Can you name any places depicted in this artwork?

i

Places are geographical locations and venues depicted in the artwork. For example: Glasgow, London Bridge, Belgium, etc.

What do we mean by ‘places’?
Can you find what you’re tagging from this list? If so, please select it.
There are records to display, please narrow your criteria
Add as many tags as you want Need help?

Places you’ve added

You can click a tag below to remove it.

Places added by others

Can you name any events depicted in this artwork?

i

Events are occasions or historical moments shown in the artwork. For Example: WW1, Diamond Jubilee, Birthday Party, Battle of Hastings, etc.

What do we mean by ‘events’?
Can you find what you’re tagging from this list? If so, please select it.
There are records to display, please narrow your criteria
Add as many tags as you want Need help?

Events you’ve added

You can click a tag below to remove it.

Events added by others

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

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.]

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

Located at

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

EH1 1RN

Outside the High Court on the Royal Mile.