ABSTRACT
The discourse on nationalism and art was both particular and general. It was particular in that specific individuals, usually associated with the Scottish Renaissance movement, attempted to generate a debate on the proper form of a national art. While the debate on nationalism and art, and the nature of a 'nationalist art', spread through the periodicals, journals and newspapers of the period, a deeper analysis of the situation of Scottish art was explored in a number of important books and pamphlets. In fact by the mid-1930s, Scottish art could demonstrate a self-confidence and a new sense of self-assurance with regard to its inherent quality. Overall, the discourse on Scottish art and nationalism was established in terms of these publications and the debate which they generated. The impetus of the survey of Scottish art was to provide a platform where the best historic and contemporary work might be viewed and compared to its counterparts throughout the world.
