Jacopo Bassano’s ‘The Journey of Jacob’. Dating to 1561, this work of the Italian Renaissance would grace any noble house.

The 5th Earl of Dumfries was advised that his home should have a work by an artist of the Renaissance. He purchased this work, painted in 1561 by Jacopo Bassano (1510-1592), in London. It was transported to Dumfries House and placed within an outer Adam frame on the east side of the room, but it did not fill it as Adam had suggested a painting should. To solve the issue, the 5th Early had the Scottish wright William Mathie produce the sinuous rococo border which surrounds the frame of the painting and thus the gap was filled to the satisfaction of all.