The paintings relating to Dumbarton Castle and belonging to Historic Scotland reflect the monarchical, military, geological and scenic significance of this remarkable landform situated on the Firth of Clyde. The volcanic rock formation has been a strategic location over many centuries and cultures; its recorded history stretches back over 1,500 years. The painting collection in the castle, which was extensively fortified during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, includes a number of extremely important royal portraits, including King James VI of Scotland and I of England, after Daniel Mytens; Queen Elizabeth I; and Mary, Queen of Scots. Another painting, after Horatio McCulloch, 'View of the Clyde and Dumbarton Rock', shows the rock and castle serving as the background to a domesticated, harmonious rural vista.