Cloyster in Oronsay Monastery

While the drawing of Oronsay’s stone cross simply records an object of interest, James Miller’s view of the monastery’s ruinous cloisters exemplifies another distinct trend in antiquarian image-making. Here, the careful framing, dramatic perspective and group of people figured all contribute to animate the scene. There is light and atmosphere. The encounter with the physical vestiges of the past is made a picturesque experience.