About this artwork

This large, commanding work by Jamesone illustrates one of the most successful Scottish noble houses of the seventeenth century - the Campbell family of Glenorchy. It is based directly on the medieval format of the Tree of Jesse, originally described in the biblical book of Isaiah, which shows the descent of the Messiah. The original Lord Campbell, Duncan Campbell of Lochawe, is depicted reclining below an elaborately fruiting cherry tree. The trunk is decorated with portraits of Glenorchy lairds, with Colin Campbell (who commissioned the work) second from the top and his potential heir above. The surrounding roundels further document the genealogy. The ornate and heraldic quality reflects Jamesone’s training as a decorative painter and the rich colour scheme is typical of his oeuvre.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    George Jamesone (1589/90 - 1644) Scottish
  • title:
    The Campbell of Glenorchy Family Tree
  • date created:
    1635
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    235.60 x 149.50 cm; Framed: 305.00 x 166.50 x 4.20 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1968
  • accession number:
    PG 2167
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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George Jamesone

George Jamesone