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Modern Athenians plate 1 - Edinburgh
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Modern Athenians plate 1 - Edinburgh
Alexander Youngson on the left hand plate, approaching John Sheriff, alias Dr. Syntax, on the right hand plate. Youngson was apparently not happy about being depicted with Dr. Syntax, whose name was " doubtless bestowed from the remarkable likeness he showed to the figure so called in Rowlandsons coloured prints, published about the year 1815. Dressed with the most scrupulous care and cleanliness, in an antiquated costume of semi-military character with highly polished Hessian boots, he was to be seen every Sunday staling at a rapid pace through the streets with his cane poised on his shoulder. He rendered himself still more grotesque by wearing a pair of green spectacles and a remarkably low-crowned hat - probably a cast-off one of Dr. John Ritchie s, the well-known voluntary church controversialist."
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Media ID 4409694
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10285639
1839 Alexander Antiquated Athenians Edinburgh Poised Rowlandson Sheriff Syntax Walk
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, titled "Modern Athenians Plate 1 - Edinburgh," showcases a lively encounter between two notable figures of Edinburgh society in the late 1830s. On the left hand plate, we find Alexander Youngson, a man known for his impeccable attire and distinctive appearance. Youngson, who was not thrilled about being depicted in this print alongside John Sheriff, alias Dr. Syntax, is shown approaching the latter on the right hand plate. Youngson's appearance is described as meticulously dressed in an antiquated semi-military costume, complete with highly polished Hessian boots. His grotesque appearance is further enhanced by his green spectacles and a low-crowned hat, which was likely a cast-off from Dr. John Ritchie, a well-known voluntary church controversialist. The name "Dr. Syntax" was bestowed upon Sheriff due to his remarkable resemblance to the figure in Rowlandson's coloured prints, which were published around 1815. Sheriff, dressed in a simple coat and trousers, is shown with a cane poised on his shoulder, ready for a brisk walk through the streets of Edinburgh. Despite their contrasting styles, both men were well-known figures in the city. Youngson's displeasure at being associated with Dr. Syntax is evident, but the scene captures the vibrant and diverse social landscape of Edinburgh in the 1830s. This plate, created in 1839, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and the intriguing characters that populated the streets of this historic city.
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