John Kay

Samuel McDonald of The Sutherland Fencibles

John Kay's "Samuel McDonald of The Sutherland Fencibles" -- known as 'Big Sam' -- was a popular Edinburgh soldier. He was awarded 2/6 a day over his usual pay on account of his extraordinary height of six feet, ten inches. Kay etched his likeness at least three times, portraying him as somewhat of a big oaf. It is reported that 'Big Sam' was not enthusiastic about John Kay's art.

"Samuel McDonald of The Sutherland Fencibles" is an original etching created by John Kay in 1796 for "Kay's Edinburgh Portraits". An impression of this original etching is listed in the National Portrait Gallery.

Samuel McDonald of The Sutherland Fencibles

View other original etchings by John Kay.

John Kay (Dalkeith, 1742 - Edinburgh, 1826)
#	Image	Title & Artist	Medium	Date	Source	Notes	-
01-		Knight of The Turf by John Kay	Original Etching	1789	Kay's Edinburgh Portraits	Signed and dated by John Kay in the lower margin of the plate.
02.-		Samuel McDonald of The Sutherland Fencibles by John Kay	Original Etching	1796	Kay's Edinburgh Portraits	Signed and dated by John Kay in the lower margin of the plate.	Sold
03.-		Vincent Lunardi in his Balloon by John Kay	Original Etching	1785	Kay's Edinburgh Portraits	Signed and dated by John Kay in the lower margin of the plate.	Sold
04.-		William Macdonald (Officer to The Highland Society of Scotland) by John Kay	Original Etching	1803	Kay's Edinburgh Portraits	Signed and dated by John Kay in the lower margin of the plate.

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Title:	Samuel McDonald of The Sutherland Fencibles
Artist:	Kay, John (Dalkeith, 1742 - Edinburgh, 1826)
Date:	1796
Medium:	Original Etching
Note:	“He cared for no employment except that of etching likenesses”, the widow Kay once reported. John Kay is a delightful example of the untrained, untutored, single-minded artist. He was born to etch and paint portraits. Formal schooling would have only destroyed his charm, humour and unique point of view.
	John Kay did not begin his work career in an agreeable artistic environment. In fact he worked full-time as a barber until 1782, when a pension from a benefactor enabled him to pursue his first love. After this time, Kay set up an establishment as a print seller and created miniature painted portraits and his famous etchings. From 1784 to his death, Kay created over one hundred etched portraits and caricatures of famous Edinburgh individuals. Known simply as ‘Kay’s Edinburgh Portraits’, these marvellous studies have long been sought after both for their artistic humour and characters belong to a pure and delightful world.
	Samuel MacDonald -- known as ‘Big Sam’ -- was a popular Edinburgh soldier. He was awarded 2/6 a day over his usual pay on account of his extraordinary height of six feet, ten inches. Kay etched his likeness at least three times, portraying him as somewhat of a big oaf. It is reported that ‘Big Sam’ was not enthusiastic about Kay’s art.
Source:	Kay's Edinburgh Portraits
Reference:	Hilary and Mary Evans, John Kay of Edinburgh: Barber, Miniaturist and Social Commentator, Paul Harris Publishing, Edinburgh, 1980. (2nd. Edition). Plate # 23
Collections:	An impression of this original etching is listed in the National Portrait Gallery, Samuel McDonald by John Kay, http://www.npg.org.uk, Reference #NGP DF32358
Size:	9 1/2 X 5 3/4 (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.)
	Matted with 100% Archival Materials
Condition:	Printed on early wove paper as published by Kay in Edinburgh. Signed and dated by the artist in the lower margin of the plate. A fine impression and in excellent condition throughout. This original etching entitled “Samuel McDonald of The Sutherland Fencibles” represents a delightful example of the famous art of John Kay.
Price:	Sold - The price is no longer available.
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