Ossian
Johan Frederik Clemens Danish, born Pomerania
After Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard Danish
Related author James Macpherson British, Scottish
Not on view
While published in London, this print was designed and engraved by Danish artists. It represents a central character in "The Works of Ossian" (1765) by the Scottish poet, James Macpherson. We see the mythical blind bard seated on a log in the woods, playing his harp and singing as his beard and cloak swirl in the wind. Ossian (or Oisin) was son to Finn McCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill). Macpherson claimed to have collected the poetic text from ancient sources and translated them, but modern scholars believe that he actually wrote the text himself, inspired by Gaelic poetry. The print is dedicated to Hugh Elliott, British envoy to the Danish Court who must have supported its publication.
