This dramatic engraving portrays the Destruction of Elgin Cathedral, a historical event that occurred in A.D. 1390. The scene captures the burning of the cathedral by Alexander Stewart, the infamous “Wolf of Badenoch”, who was the illegitimate and ruthless son of King Robert II of Scotland. The cathedral itself, rendered in intricate gothic detail, dominates the scene with its soaring arches, large windows, and partially ruined towers. Flames and smoke rise ominously from the structure, casting a surreal glow across the sky and adding intensity to the destruction. The architecture is finely etched, showcasing the grandeur of what was once one of Scotland’s most magnificent ecclesiastical buildings. In the foreground, armed men on horseback—presumably the Wolf of Badenoch and his retinue—oversee the devastation, reinforcing the brutality of the act. Other figures, including monks or townsfolk, appear in anguish or supplication, emphasizing the human toll and religious sacrilege of the event. The engraving is signed by R. Sands (engraver) and Allen (artist), and was published in London by Geo Virtue, a notable publisher of historical and architectural illustrations.BURNT A.D.1390, BY THE “WOLF OF BADENOCH THE FEROCIOUS SON OF KING ROBERT II.

Product Details