James Macpherson’s Ossian poems, first published in the 1760s, were hailed as authentic Gaelic tradition, though they were later revealed as fabrications. Attributed to Ossian, a legendary blind bard, these works captivated European intellectuals, writers, and artists such as Angelica Kauffman and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. In Scotland, Ossian became central to cultural identity and nationalist movements.

This scene reflects the relationship between Ossian and Malvina, the betrothed of his deceased son, Oscar. After Oscar’s death, Malvina devoted herself to supporting Ossian in his old age. The painting depicts a moment of grief and solace, with Ossian gazing upward, recalling his heroic past and lost loved ones. Malvina offers quiet comfort, embodying themes of loyalty and continuity. The harp, symbolizing poetry and memory, emphasizes Ossian’s role as a bard.

The popularity of Ossianic poetry spanned nearly a century, making it a cornerstone of Romanticism. By the mid-nineteenth century, however, its influence had begun to fade.