the collector's folio

William Allan Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by William Allan our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide William Allan · 1782 – 1850

The Murder of David Rizzio

1833 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 102 x 163 cm

A dramatic 19th-century oil painting by Sir William Allan capturing the intense assassination of David Rizzio by order of Mary Queen of Scots, inviting you to bring this powerful piece of Scottish history into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$634163 × 102 cm Commission at original size

The Murder of David Rizzio

1833 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The Bashkirs

1814 · Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg · original 43.0 x 63.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27863 × 43 cm Commission at original size

Frontier Guards (Circassian Prince on Horseback Selling Two Boys)

1814 · Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg · original 43.0 x 63.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35238 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$40363 × 43 cm Commission at original size

The Stirrup Cup

1836 · Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture, Edinburgh · original 33 x 27 cm

A captivating 1836 scene of a man on horseback captures the romantic spirit of Sir William Allan's historical mastery, inviting you to bring this elegant piece of Scottish art history into your private collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Transient Poet

1971 · Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20230 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Self Portrait

1835 · Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture, Edinburgh · original 92 x 72 cm

Explore Sir William Allan’s ‘Self Portrait’ (1835). A dramatic oil painting of an older gentleman in academic realism. Discover its details & historical significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34372 × 92 cm Commission at original size

Frederick William Robert Stewart (1805–1872), Viscount Castlereagh, Later 4th Marquess of Londonderry, Wearing Hunting Costume

View the most popular artwork of William Allan ranked #8: Frederick William Robert Stewart (1805–1872), Viscount Castlereagh, Later 4th Marquess of Londonderry, Wearing Hunting Costume

1823 · National Trust, Newtownards · original 91 x 72 cm

A commanding 1823 portrait of Viscount Castlereagh in vibrant hunting attire by Sir William Allan captures the dramatic spirit of the Scottish Romantic era, offering a timeless masterpiece for your private collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34172 × 91 cm Commission at original size

Sir Walter Scott Dictating to His Daughter, Anne, in the Armoury at Abbotsford

1844 · The National Trust For Scotland, Elgin · original 114 x 89 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$44589 × 114 cm Commission at original size

Highland Gillie and His Pony

1850 · The Stirling Smith Art Gallery - Museum, Stirling · original 78 x 64 cm

A dramatic 1850 portrait of a man in a kilt riding a white horse through the mountains by Sir William Allan captures the romantic spirit of Scotland and invites you to bring this historical masterpiece into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29564 × 78 cm Commission at original size

Sir Walter Scott, 1st Bt

1831 · original 81 x 64 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$30164 × 81 cm Commission at original size

The Battle of Bannockburn

1850 · Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture, Edinburgh · original 208 x 499 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17749 × 20 cm Commission this artwork

Frederick William Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, Later 4th Marquess of Londonderry

View the most popular artwork of William Allan ranked #13: Frederick William Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, Later 4th Marquess of Londonderry

1823 · Mount Stewart, Newtownards · original 91 x 72 cm

A dramatic 1823 military portrait of Viscount Castlereagh by Sir William Allan captures a commanding figure in red and blue amidst a battlefield scene, offering a timeless piece for your private collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34172 × 91 cm Commission at original size

The Ballad of Old Robin Gray

1826 · original 65 x 92 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32492 × 65 cm Commission at original size

William Hey (1736–1819)

1815 · Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds · original 123 x 141 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17734 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$654141 × 123 cm Commission at original size

John Robertson

1803 · The Company of Merchants of The City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh · original 94 x 70 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34170 × 94 cm Commission at original size

The Orphan

1838 · original 85.7 x 72.4cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20229 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$35572 × 86 cm Commission at original size

James Russell, the Actor

Abbotsford House, Malvern · original 28 x 21 cm

Admire "James Russell, the Actor" by Sir William Allan. A captivating 19th-century portrait featuring a distinguished gentleman. Hand-painted reproduction available.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

John Robertson (1770–1849)

1803 · The Merchant's Hall, Edinburgh · original 94 x 70 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34170 × 94 cm Commission at original size

Highland Gillie and His Pony

Stirling Smith Art Gallery And Museum, Stirling

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Walter Scott in His Study with His Dog 'Maida'

1831 · Abbotsford House, Malvern · original 18 x 15 cm

Experience Sir Walter Scott in his study with 'Maida'! This 1831 portrait by Sir William Allan captures a moment of literary tranquility. Commission a hand-painted replica today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Mr Mackay of the Edinburgh Theatre as Baillie Nicol Jarvie

Abbotsford House, Malvern · original 29 x 23 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Walter Scott with One of his Daughters

1826 · original 35 x 31 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17731 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18031 × 35 cm Commission at original size

Fair Maid of Perth

original 48 x 72 cm

Explore Sir William Allan’s "Fair Maid of Perth" – a dramatic Romantic oil painting brimming with emotion & hidden secrets. Discover its style, symbolism & captivating narrative.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20239 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27572 × 48 cm Commission at original size

Tartar Robbers Dividing Spoil

1817 · original 64 x 52 cm

Sir William Allan’s ‘Tartar Robbers Dividing Spoil’ (1817) – a dramatic Baroque scene of intrigue & conflict. Oil on canvas, dark tones, & detailed texture. Explore this captivating historical artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 56 artworks by William Allan
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20228 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27152 × 64 cm Commission at original size

The artist

William Allan

1782 – 1850

Quick facts

Art period19th Century
Emotional tonedramatic
Works on APS56
Corpus themessir henry raeburn influence, romantic drama & emotion
Topics exploredmen, historical scene, portrait, 19th century, wars
Died1850
Typical colorsearthy
Lifespan68 years

Biography

Sir William Allan: Bridging Scotland and Russia Through the Brush

Sir William Allan (1782-1850) stands as a pivotal figure in 19th-century Scottish art, a master of historical painting who skillfully blended meticulous realism with an evocative sense of drama. Born into a prominent merchant family in Edinburgh, his artistic journey was largely self-directed, nurtured by early exposure to the burgeoning art scene and later guided by the mentorship of Sir Henry Raeburn, a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment. Allan’s work transcends mere portraiture; it's a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of Scottish culture, Russian intrigue, and the romantic spirit of his era. His legacy extends far beyond individual paintings, shaping the identity of the National Gallery of Scotland and influencing generations of artists who followed.

Allan’s formative years were steeped in the traditions of Edinburgh's artistic circles. While formal training was limited, he absorbed influences from John Graham at the Trustees’ Academy, alongside the techniques of David Wilkie and Alexander George Fraser. This early exposure instilled a deep appreciation for detail and composition – hallmarks that would define his distinctive style. Crucially, Raeburn recognized Allan’s talent and offered guidance, fostering an understanding of capturing not just likeness but also character and emotion. This connection to the Scottish Enlightenment profoundly shaped Allan's artistic vision, emphasizing observation, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to represent the world with accuracy and nuance.

A Journey East: Capturing Russian Life

A defining moment in Allan’s career was his decision to travel to Russia in 1805. Driven by a fascination with Eastern cultures and a desire for artistic inspiration, he embarked on an extended sojourn that would profoundly impact his work. Allan immersed himself in the daily life of Cossacks, Circassians, and Tartars, meticulously documenting their customs, clothing, and social interactions. He wasn’t merely sketching; he was actively engaging with these communities, earning their trust and gaining access to scenes rarely seen by Western artists. This immersive experience resulted in a series of paintings that offered unprecedented insights into Russian society – a subject largely unexplored by European art at the time.

His most celebrated works from this period include “The Circassian Captives,” a poignant depiction of a group of women awaiting their fate, and “Russian Peasants Keeping Their Holiday,” which captures the vibrant energy of a rural celebration. These paintings are notable not only for their technical skill but also for their empathetic portrayal of marginalized communities. Allan’s approach was revolutionary; he sought to represent these cultures with respect and understanding, moving beyond stereotypical depictions often found in earlier works.

Notable Works & Artistic Style

Allan's artistic style is characterized by a remarkable blend of realism and romanticism. He possessed an exceptional ability to render textures – from the rough wool of Cossack clothing to the shimmering surface of Circassian jewelry – with astonishing detail. His compositions are often dynamic, employing dramatic lighting and carefully arranged figures to create a sense of movement and narrative. Color plays a crucial role in his work, used not merely for decorative effect but to convey mood and atmosphere.

Key works such as “Portrait of John Renny” exemplify his skill in capturing the likeness and personality of his subjects. The self-portrait, painted later in life, reveals a contemplative gaze and a subtle awareness of his own aging. “The Ballad of Old Robin Gray,” a haunting depiction of an elderly man recalling his past, showcases Allan’s ability to evoke emotion through gesture and expression. These paintings, alongside others housed at the Scottish National Gallery, demonstrate a remarkable evolution in his artistic style – from the early influences of John Opie to a more mature and nuanced approach.

Legacy & Influence

Sir William Allan's impact on Scottish art extends far beyond his individual achievements. He played a vital role in establishing the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, contributing significantly to its collection and shaping its identity as a repository of Scottish artistic heritage. His work helped elevate the status of Scottish painting within the broader European art world, challenging prevailing notions of what constituted “serious” art.

Allan’s legacy is also reflected in the works of subsequent generations of Scottish artists. He demonstrated the importance of studying local culture and traditions, encouraging a more nuanced and authentic representation of Scotland on canvas. His commitment to detail, his ability to capture emotion, and his willingness to explore unconventional subjects continue to inspire artists today. The enduring appeal of Allan’s paintings lies not only in their technical brilliance but also in their profound insights into the human condition and the rich tapestry of Scottish and Russian life.

Questions & Answers

What are the birthplace and birth year of William Allan?

William Allan was born in Edinburgh in 1782.

Where is William Allan from?

William Allan was born in United Kingdom.

In which movements did William Allan work?

The movements William Allan worked in can be seen on the artist's All Movements page, which groups the artworks by movement.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 2, 2026

Collector's quiz

Sir William Allan is most known for his paintings of which historical period?
Which Scottish artist mentored Sir William Allan early in his career?
What was a significant factor in Sir William Allan's success as an artist?
Which of these artworks is NOT attributed to Sir William Allan?
Where can visitors find a significant collection of Sir William Allan's works?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your William Allan

Every artwork by William Allan in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by William Allan