Arthur Melville

Arthur Melville, 1855-1904, was one of the most forward-thinking Scottish painters of his generation. The intensity of his colours and his fascination with the effects of brilliant light as well as his dramatic compositions had a revolutionary impact on watercolour as an art form.

Born in Angus, and raised near Edinburgh, he spent much of his life travelling around the world, visiting France, Spain, Egypt, Morocco, and the Middle East. His travels inspired spectacular watercolours and paintings. When not travelling, Melville was based mainly in Edinburgh.

Melville enjoyed a varied career as an artist and is admired as an Orientalist. He was a fore-runner and close associate of the Glasgow Boys and a painter of modern life.