Anthony Woodd Gallery

Duncan was born in Dundee in 1866, the son of a cattleman. John, however, had no interest in the family business and preferred the visual arts. By the age of 11 he was a student at the Dundee School of Art, then based at the High School of Dundee. He also studied at Antwerp School of Art under Charles Verlat. 

 

Duncan provided illustrations for the 1895 magazine "The Evergreen". The magazine was published by the sociologist and urbanist Patrick Geddes and also featured work from artist Robert Burns. Duncan depicts "Bacchus and Silenus" in a mythical scene. Duncan also contributed cover art featuring a "Kelpie" from Celtic folklore.