St Mungo's Cathedral, Glasgow by David Roberts (1796-1864) depicts an external view of St. Mungo's cathedral during a revolt in which groups of people are tearing down elements of crosses and parts of the external façade. There is also smoke billowing on the right side of the scene, suggestive of part of the cathedral being on fire. The darker colour tones of the crowds and the destruction contrast starkly with the bright white and looming presence of the cathedral in the piece, possibly suggesting authority of the church or a commentary on different morality. 

This piece is possibly a reproduction of another work outside of this collection, titled Defence of the Cathedral by the Trades' House in 1579 during the Reformation, sharing the presence of Highlanders which can be seen in the piece. Roberts was well known as a landscape painter, particularly in his attention to detail of structures and the ability to capture the energy of a scene. 

David Roberts, 1796-1864

Edinburgh-born Roberts was the son of a shoemaker and showed signs of talent as a boy, becoming apprenticed to a scene-painted at the encouragement of his father. Through this apprenticeship, Roberts painted decors for the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, and sent architectural paintings to an ehxibition there. After this he moved to London, painting scenery for Drury Lane and Covent Garden. In 1824 he was admitted to the Society of British Artists and exhibited at the Suffolk Street Galleries from 1824 to 1836. He became a Royal Academician in 1841. Roberts' travels began in 1924, when he visted Normandy and sketched the Gothic buildings of France. He would continue to travel throught Europe, as well as venturing further afield to Syria and Egypt, which greatly inspired his work.