The Most Famous Scottish Artist: Recognizing Scotland's Artistic Icon

Voting rules: Choose the artist you think is the most famous!

Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 4, 2023 11:29)

Discover the enchanting world of Scottish artistry as we delve into the mesmerizing realm of creative talents hailing from the land of kilts and bagpipes! StrawPoll invites you to participate in an exciting ranking of the most famous Scottish artists of all time. From the renowned brushstrokes of Sir Henry Raeburn to the contemporary genius of Jack Vettriano, our platform hosts an extensive collection of remarkable artistic minds for you to explore and vote on. But, the beauty of art lies in the eyes of the beholder, and we believe your voice matters. Join us in celebrating the rich heritage of Scotland and have your say in crowning the ultimate master of Scottish art! Cast your vote, suggest a missing gem, and let us together unveil the true marvels of Scotland's artistic legacy.

Who Is the Most Famous Scottish Artist?

1

66
votes

Henry Raeburn · Public domain

Sir Henry Raeburn

He is considered the most important Scottish portrait painter of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works are characterized by their realism and attention to detail.
2

34
votes
James Craig Annan · Public domain

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

He was an architect, designer, and artist who is famous for his Art Nouveau style. He is best known for his designs for the Glasgow School of Art and the Willow Tea Rooms.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous artist in Scotland
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous stained-glass artist
3

20
votes

David Wilkie · Public domain

Sir David Wilkie

He was a Scottish painter who specialized in genre scenes and portraits. His works are characterized by their realism and attention to detail. He was one of the most successful British artists of his time.
4

18
votes

The Glasgow Boys

They were a group of young Scottish artists who were active in the late 19th century. They were known for their bold and innovative approach to painting, which was influenced by French Impressionism.
5

12
votes

Alexander Moffat

He is a Scottish painter and printmaker who is best known for his portraits. He has painted many famous Scots, including Sean Connery, Billy Connolly, and John Byrne.
6

6
votes

John Bellany

He was a Scottish painter who is known for his expressionistic style and his depictions of Scottish life and culture. His work is characterized by its bold colors and strong emotional impact.
7

15
votes
Robert Burns

Although primarily known as a poet, Robert Burns was also an accomplished artist. He created a number of sketches and watercolors, many of which depict scenes from Scottish life.
Robert Burns in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous artist in Scotland
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person in Scotland
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous bard
8

11
votes

Peter Howson

He is a Scottish painter who is known for his dark and disturbing images of the human figure. His work often deals with themes of violence, addiction, and mental illness.
9

9
votes

Joan Eardley

She was a Scottish painter who is known for her depictions of the fishing village of Catterline, near Aberdeen. Her work is characterized by its strong sense of place and its emotional intensity.
10

7
votes

J Moffat cdv · Public domain

William McTaggart

He was a Scottish landscape painter who is known for his depictions of the Scottish coast and countryside. His work is characterized by its loose brushwork and its subtle use of color.

Missing your favorite artist?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous artist

Global Recognition

The artist's fame and recognition both in Scotland and internationally are essential factors. This can be determined by assessing their body of work, their impact on the art world, and their influence on other artists.
Artistic Achievements

The artist's artistic achievements, such as awards, honors, exhibitions, and critical acclaim, are significant indicators of their fame and prowess in the art world. This includes the artist's contribution to their field and their innovation and originality.
Impact and Influence

The influence the artist has had on art movements, styles, and future generations of artists is crucial. Artists who have inspired and shaped the art world through their unique perspectives and techniques should be considered.
Market Value

The commercial success and market value of an artist's works, including the price of their artworks at auctions and the demand for their pieces, can be a measure of their fame and popularity.
Legacy

An artist's lasting impact on Scottish art and culture, as well as their place in art history, should also be considered. This includes the artist's contributions to Scotland's cultural heritage and their influence on future generations of Scottish artists.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Scottish artist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or artist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1320 views
198 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each artist once every 24 hours. The rank of each artist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous scottish artist

Scotland has a rich history of producing some of the world's most renowned artists, writers, and musicians. From the iconic poet Robert Burns to the legendary painter Sir Henry Raeburn, Scottish artists have made an indelible mark on the global art scene. But who stands out as the most famous Scottish artist of all time? Many would argue that the answer to this question is none other than Sir William Topaz McGonagall, also known as the "worst poet in the world." Despite being widely regarded as a terrible writer, McGonagall has achieved a level of fame and notoriety that few Scottish artists can match. His bizarre and unintentionally hilarious poems have been the subject of countless parodies and adaptations, and he is often celebrated as a kind of anti-hero of Scottish literature. Of course, there are many other Scottish artists who have achieved far greater critical acclaim than McGonagall. From the romantic landscapes of J.M.W. Turner to the bold, abstract works of Joan Eardley, Scotland has produced an incredibly diverse range of artistic talent. But whether you love him or hate him, there's no denying that McGonagall is one of the most unique and unforgettable figures in the history of Scottish art.