Home > Arts > Artists > K > John Kay
William Brodie, Scottish cabinetmaker and criminal, 1788. Artist: John Kay
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
William Brodie, Scottish cabinetmaker and criminal, 1788. Artist: John Kay
William Brodie, Scottish cabinetmaker and criminal, 1788. A prosperous Edinburgh cabintmaker, Brodie (1741-1788) had a secret life as the leader of a gang of burglars. He was hanged for robbing the Excise Office in Edinburgh. Brodies double existence is thought to have been the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevensons The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14847334
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Burglar Cabinet Maker Cabinetmaker Criminal Georgian John Kay Prig Robert Louis Balfour Robert Louis Stevenson Stevenson Thief Ann Ronan Pictures Brodie
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> K
> John Kay
> Arts
> Artists
> Related Images
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> John White
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> Robert White
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> William White
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Arts
> Portraits
> Black and white portraits
> Fine art portraits
> Arts
> Portraits
> Black and white portraits
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the enigmatic figure of William Brodie, a Scottish cabinetmaker and criminal from the late 18th century. In this portrait by John Kay, we see Brodie dressed in fashionable attire, his confident gaze hinting at a double life hidden beneath his respectable exterior. Brodie was not just an accomplished craftsman; he led a secret gang of burglars that terrorized Edinburgh during his time. His audacious exploits culminated in the infamous robbery of the Excise Office, which ultimately led to his downfall and execution by hanging. It is believed that Brodie's intriguing dual existence served as inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's iconic novella, "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde". In this monochrome etching, every detail speaks volumes about Brodie's complex character. The table beside him symbolizes both his legitimate profession as a cabinetmaker and his illicit activities as a thief. The Georgian backdrop reflects the era in which he thrived, while Scotland itself becomes an integral part of this tale of crime and deception. As we delve into this image captured by John Kay, we are reminded that even those who appear upright can harbor dark secrets within their souls. William Brodie remains forever immortalized through art as both a skilled artisan and cunning criminal – forever leaving us intrigued by the duality inherent in human nature.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
