| The Orphan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Artist | William Allan |
| Year | 1834 |
| Type | Oil on panel, genre painting |
| Dimensions | 85.7 cm× 72.4 cm(33.7 in× 28.5 in) |
| Location | Royal Collection |
The Orphan is an 1834 painting by the Scottish artist William Allan. [1] Allan produced it as a lament for the loss of his friend and supporter the writer Sir Walter Scott who had died in 1832. It depicts the dining room of Abbotsford, the country house in southern Scotland. Scott's daughter Anne leans mournfully against the writer's empty carved oak chair. [2]
When Allan had been struggling as an artist, Scott and David Wilkie had suggested he switch to painting scenes from Scottish history leading to his success. Allan also acted as the illustrator for Scott's Waverley novels. [2]
It was exhibited at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition of 1834 and was likely acquired by William IV or his wife Queen Adelaide soon afterwards. In 1841 it was hanging in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace. It remains in the Royal Collection. [3]