Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Article Source: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Last Updated: 13 November 2025 13:08

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino last shown in Scotland over a decade ago are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh from today (Thursday, 13 November).

Italian, Dutch & Flemish Paintings: Highlights from Buckingham Palace is a temporary display of 16th and 17th century paintings included in a visit to the official Scottish royal residence. The display provides an opportunity for visitors to see some of the greatest paintings in the Royal Collection while a rehang of the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace – where the paintings can usually be seen – takes place.

Emma Stead, Curator at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, said: ‘These paintings are masterful examples of artistic skill from some of the most innovative periods of European art. We are delighted that visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse can now see these beautiful works, which usually capture the imagination of visitors to Buckingham Palace. Our newly permanent scheme of £1 tickets for visitors receiving Universal Credit and other benefits means more people than ever can visit the Palace and enjoy this exciting display.’

A highlight is Portrait of a Man by the Dutch painter Frans Hals, who was celebrated in his lifetime for his exceptional ability to capture expression and the variety of his brushwork. During the 17th century, members of the increasingly powerful patrician class were eager to display their newfound wealth with portraits. The sitter here has a striking sense of presence, created with a blend of confident brushstrokes and painterly textures. It was last on public display in Scotland 13 years ago.

Spanning a 150-year period, the display showcases paintings that are each an exceptional example of their kind. The oldest work is a brooding portrait by Titian of Jacopo Sannazaro, a prominent scholar and court poet to King Ferdinand I of Naples, completed in c.1514. Titian’s ability to capture a sense of character in his portraiture was especially admired, and the depiction of Sannazaro – shown lost in thought with a finger marking his place in a red leather book – indicates an educated sitter.

At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1642, Charles I owned one of Europe’s most important collections of Italian Renaissance and early Baroque art, but this was sold off during the Commonwealth. Upon his Restoration to the throne, Charles II set about reassembling it, and a painting thought to have been reacquired by him is Cristofano Allori’s Judith with the Head of Holofernes – an especially fine early example of a biblical subject that became one of Allori’s best-known and most copied compositions.

Another painting likely acquired during the reign of Charles II is Portrait of a Young Nobleman by the Italian painter Parmigianino. The young man’s unusual, twisted pose drawing attention to his face and outstretched hand was particularly innovative for this date and the contrast between the high degree of finish in the face and the blurred hands and background are typical of the artist’s portraiture.

A leading artist from a town near Bologna, Guercino’s paintings were sought after by many international patrons and collectors, including Charles I – who unsuccessfully tried to persuade him to come to England. Guercino’s use of richly contrasting oranges and pinks against blue in The Libyan Sibyl, a study of one of the twelve prophetesses said to have foretold the coming of Christ, adds grace and elegance to the scene.

The Royal Collection has one of the finest holdings of 17th-century Dutch paintings in the world, mainly formed by George IV, who collected portraits, landscapes and genre scenes by artists including Aelbert Cuyp and Pieter de Hooch – whose A Courtyard in Delft at Evening: A Woman Spinning features in the display. De Hooch was a contemporary of Vermeer, and the two artists developed a distinctive style of everyday scenes of Delft treated with extraordinary care. De Hooch’s faithful depiction of the architecture of the Dutch city is perhaps testament to growing up as a master bricklayer’s son.

The Dutch Golden Age, as it became known, saw advances in painting that coincided with the nation's growing influence in international politics and commerce. Foremost Dutch landscape painter Aelbert Cuyp’s large depiction of a busy ‘passage boat’, or ferry, taking people between Dordrecht and Rotterdam, captures in great detail the bustling daily life of the 17th-century Dutch Republic.

On public display in Scotland just once before, 18 years ago, is Interior of a Farmhouse with Figures (‘The Stolen Kiss’) by the Flemish artist David Teniers the Younger. A lively scene of a farmer bursting into his farmhouse to catch a labourer misbehaving with his daughter, it is a fine example in the tradition of comedic scenes of unruly peasants with a moral undertone.

The works are on display in the 17th-century, wood-panelled exhibition space within the Palace and can be seen by visitors in addition to the other outstanding works throughout the State Apartments, such as the magnificent portrait of Charles II by John Michael Wright.

More Italian art, including a striking pen study of dogs by Parmigianino, can be seen in the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse until 8 March 2026. It is the widest-ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in Scotland for over half a century.

Image credit: © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust, David Cheskin

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.

WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4

Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.

Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens

Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.

Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Santas little helpers, assemble

Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.

The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh

Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.

Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows

Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.

Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.

Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill

The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.

Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground

Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.

Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey

Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Edinburghs Hogmanay reveals International Partnership & Artist Exchange Programme with Basque Country

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill.

The Main Course: Serving Up a Slice of Italy in the Heart of Gullane this Christmas

Planning a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a family gathering or a relaxed night out with friends? The Main Course offers comfort, warmth and a menu that brings people back year after year.

Hamish Hawk commission comes to life with Edinburgh International Book Festival first ever record release

Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces that Life in a Scotch Sitting-room, Vol. 0, a limited-edition LP by Scottish indie songwriter Hamish Hawk, will be released on 5th December.

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh unveils New Years Eve event and festive offering

This festive season, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh is elevating its celebrations with two unforgettable experiences that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.

Vault City launches festive, Quaffable Treats, beer box inspired by Christmas chocolate tins

An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline free weekend of celebrations with Christmas ceilidh and market

The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Leading the charge! Edinburgh car retailer hosts electric vehicle experience

John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.

Six of the Best: Iconic concerts that rocked Murrayfield as the famous stadium turns 100

Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings