A wonderful historical genre painting of a troupe of travelling performers entertaining a household by James Hamilton. To the far left of the painting, musicians can be seen playing reed instruments while a dancer begins his steps in a grand medieval hall. As they perform, they are watched by members of a noble family, their servants, a confessor and even a deerhound. Hamilton carefully balances the two groups, capturing individual expressions, natural poses and the lively attraction of the performance.

Further research has discovered that this painting was exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy exhibition held in February 1881, no. 450 under the title ‘Strolling Dancers of the Middle Ages—The Prelude’. It was praised by critics at the time and a detailed description of the painting appeared in the Stirling Observer on 31 March, 1881, which matches this painting in every aspect. The painting sold on the opening day of the exhibition for the sum of £130.

James Hamilton was a genre and historical artist born in Kilsyth, Scotland on 7 August, 1853 to John Hamilton and his wife Esther (née Lambley Logan). His father was a cotton weaver who later worked as a plate layer for the local railway. He showed an early talent for art but due to his humble family circumstances found work as a printer after leaving school. In 1872, left his hometown to live in Edinburgh and pursue his dream of being an artist. He earned his living as a house painter during the day and in his spare time attended evening classes at the Edinburgh School of Art.

In 1874, he became a student at the Life School at the Royal Scottish Academy and began exhibiting there from 1875. His work soon began to receive acclaim and in 1880 he produced ‘Touchstone and Audrey,’ the first of a series of large and important works for which he became best known for. The painting was purchased by the Royal Association for the Promotion of the Fine Arts and his success enabled him to travel to Italy in 1881 studying in Rome and Florence. After returning to Edinburgh, he devoted him himself to depicting stirring events in Scottish history and romance. Over the next five years his most important contributions to the RSA were: ‘The First Visit of James IV. to the Princess Margaret’ (1882); ‘Norna of the Fitful Head’ (1883); ‘Glencoe’ (1854); and ‘A Rebel’s Daring’ (1886).

In 1886, he was elected as Associate Member of the Royal Scottish Academy and in the same year won a silver medal at the Edinburgh International Exhibition. He also exhibited in Dundee and in England at the Royal Academy, The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool and the Manchester City Art Gallery. He married Catherine (Kate) Highet at Troon in Ayrshire on 23 April, 1889 and the couple went on to have a son, John Arnott.

Hamilton kept a studio at 12, Queen Street, Edinburgh and lived at 23 Royal Crescent until around 1891 when he moved a few doors along to 3 Fettes Row. He died suddenly at his home, aged only 41 and at the height of his success on 27 December, 1894. His obituary was published in the Edinburgh Evening News. Examples of his work can be found at the Glasgow Life Museum, Royal Scottish Academy and the North Lanarkshire Council Museums.

© Benton Fine Art