David Hume Statue

Statue of David Hume, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

Statue of David Hume, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh

A green patinated Neo-Classical bronze mounted on a yellow sandstone base located outside the High Court of Justiciary on Edinburgh's Lawnmarket, the David Hume Statue comprises a 2¾-m (9-foot) representation of the philosopher and historian semi-naked with Ancient Greek robes loosely draped around his figure. The blank tablet balanced on his right knee is intended to represent his scepticism. The work of Paisley-based sculptor Sandy Stoddart (b.1959), the statue was unveiled on 30th November 1997 by Sir Stewart Sutherland, Principal of the University of Edinburgh. Costing £120,000, the statue was commissioned by the Saltire Society to mark its 60th anniversary. It was cast by Powderhall Bronze of Edinburgh. An inscription on the front of the pedestal says simply Hume. Further information is recorded on a bronze plaque on the rear.


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