Scottish Silver & Applied Arts (496) Wed, 16th Aug 2017, Edinburgh Lot 428 Estimate: £5000 - £7000 + Fees A FINE JACOBITE REVIVAL CARVED WOOD FRAME MID 19TH CENTURY the engraving showing the return of Bonnie Prince Charlie to Edinburgh after the Battle of Prestonpans, engraved by Francis Bacon after the painting by Thomas Duncan, signed in the margin, the heavily carved frame with a cresting of a plumed crown above a central figure of Charles Edward on horseback, draped with colours, canon, shields and including the dress targe presented to Prince Charles Edward Stuart by James, 3rd Duke of Perth, the corners with further clusters of arms and armour, the engraving flanked by bold Highland figures holding flags and standing on scrolls with carved crests in shields for the MacPhersons to the left and MacDonald to the right, the lower section with carved central Royal Standard flanked by oval portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, further trophies of arms and various Scottish musical instruments Dimensions: 112 x 128cm (overall) Provenance: Formerly at Glentruim, with the MacPherson family by descent Note: Although the exact provenance and history of this commission is unknown, its long connection with the MacPherson family and the obvious iconography tells an interesting and important story. The frame dates firmly to the Jacobite/ Highland revival period when the turn in Scots' attitudes to being Scots meant that all parts of a family's history were re-evaluated and relics were not only brought out to display but new 'heritage' was created. It would appear that this frame falls into both camps. While it is firmly a revival piece of the highest quality, its purpose was not confined to showing off the wealth and artistic style of its owner and their interest in the Jacobite revival. With the very obvious heraldic motifs and armorials, it also demonstrates the family's connections with the past and the uprising of 1745. Its choice not to commemorate the '45 but in particular one of the key victories at Prestonpans indicates the high regard in which their ancestors were being placed, even when the ultimate result of their involvement would have been as ill-fated as the uprising itself. The fine carving depicts trophies of war and displays of Highland regalia and figures of the time, many being seen in prints, glassware and other works of art and which would have been very recognisable to not only a 19th century revivalist but an 18th century Jacobite. This is no better demonstrated than in the portraits of Charles Edward Stuart within the decoration and his iconic silver mount targe which is unquestionably located in the lower section. .