Melrose Abbey

Part of a series of views executed for the 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, Melrose Abbey illustrates how the focus of the estate portrait at times shifted from the house and surrounding parkland to outlying monuments and natural wonders. Here, in a common motif indicating the scenic status of the view, two visitors gesture to the remains of the abbey. Among the most famous ruins in Scotland, its numerous claims to fame include being the first Cistercian monastery in Scotland (built in 1136) and the final resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce.