Painting of Professor Adam Ferguson, philosopher and author (1723-1816) - By Sir Joshua Reynolds

As Professor of Natural Philosophy and then Moral Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, Ferguson (1723-1816) was a central figure of the Scottish Enlightenment. He was a friend of David Hume and married the niece of the eminent Professor of Chemistry, Joseph Black. Ferguson's career was, however, hardly narrowly scholastic, and in this he is typical of his intellectual milieu. As a young chaplain to the Black Watch he had published a sermon (preached to the regiment in Gaelic) denouncing the Pretender, Catholicism and France. He travelled extensively in Europe, met Voltaire at Ferney, and in 1778 went on an (unsuccessful) diplomatic mission to negotiate with the American colonists at Philadelphia. Ferguson also worked as a farmer, implementing agricultural improvements, and it was at his Edinburgh home, in the winter of 1786/7, that the young Walter Scott met Robert Burns for the first and only time. Ferguson was eloquent and popular as a professor, his lectures attracting an audience from well beyond the confines of the university. His writings include contributions to political and ethical thought, and the great nineteenth century historian Thomas Carlyle, considered that he was 'particularly well worth reading on Roman history'. He has been credited as being a pioneer of the discipline of sociology and an influence upon Hegel and Marx.

Collection

The National Galleries of Scotland, Phase 1

Inventory Number

4502720

Title

Painting of Professor Adam Ferguson, philosopher and author (1723-1816) - By Sir Joshua Reynolds

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

- 75.90 x 63.50 cm