Painter David Allan died - On this day in history

Scottish painter David Allan died in Edinburgh on 6 August 1796. Allan became famous for both his portrait work and historic scenes (his painting 'A Highland Wedding' is shown here. He was also responsible for a number of fine works to illustrate the work of well-known authors, including Robert Burns, for whom Allan produced illustrations for editions of The Cotter's Saturday Night and Tam O'Shanter.

Allan perfected his craft at Foulis's Academy in Glasgow, after which he spent several years in Rome, studiously producing copies of paintings in the city's galleries and churches. He died in Edinburgh, where he had been living and is buried in the city's Calton Burial Ground.