SMM+S

Adam Brown · Last edited by Adam Brown on Thu Jun 02, 2011 12:59 pm; edited 1 time in total

David Hume Monument
Location: High Street, Edinburgh (In front of High Court)
OS Ref: NT 256 735
Sculptor: Alexander Stoddart
Foundry: Powderhall Foundry

Stoddart's first statue in Edinburgh. Hume is depicted in a classical pose, a recurring theme in Stoddart's work.

Unfortunately the back of his tablet is perfect for fly-posters during the festival and note his shiny big toe!

Not quite sure about the symbolism of this sun on the back of Hume's seat?

I will try and get a better photograph of this plaque.

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:17 am Post subject:

This monument is in the care of the City of Edinburgh Council. This is what they say about it on their website.

David Hume Statue

This modern bronze statue on a Clashach sandstone plinth depicts David Hume, the Scottish Enlightenment philosopher. Sculpted by Alexander ‘Sandy’ Stoddart and commissioned by the Saltire Society, it was cast at the Powderhall Bronze Foundry and unveiled on St. Andrews Day, 30 November 1997 by Professor Sir Stewart Sutherland, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.

David Hume was perhaps the most influential figure of the Scottish Enlightenment - philosopher, historian, economist and diplomat. He was born in Edinburgh in 1711. His works include "A Treatise of Human Nature", "An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding", and "An Enquiry concerning the Principles of Morals". He died in 1776 and was buried in Calton Old Burial Ground in the Hume Mausoleum