What's this pouch?

[artificer]

I'm stumped. In shape and size it resembles either a haversack or "messenger's" style satchel- so documents could be a possibility, although both of those are usually slung over the shoulder on a strap (or later attached to a ruck in the case of the haversack).

ith:

[MacRobert's Reply]

This looks like an 18th Century document wallet attached to or tucked behind the sporran strap. The deeds of the Glengyle house and lands perhaps?

[Steve Ashton]

It is where he keeps his laptop of course.

[MacRobert's Reply]

Here is a much smaller document wallet in the V&A Museum. Many were made in Constantinople (modern Istanbul).

[EagleJCS]

Perhaps a game pouch for small game that would be taken with falcons, etc?

[hylander]

Some examples of brocaded waistcoats:

[figheadair]

It is where he keeps his laptop of course.

Surely he had a MacBook!

[TheOfficialBren]

Based on the position of his hand and the angle at which it hangs I would say that it is a messenger bag. The strap may be hidden under his other gear OR may have been omitted for artistic purposes. I was more curious about the sporran worn with his trews. Very dashing man, whoever he was.

[Chas]

I agree that it is a document pouch. At the time of the painting, it is possible that Gregor Macgregor of Glengyle was one of the 'Great Officers of State' and the pouch was his 'badge of rank', or symbol of his office as it were. Possibly, Chamberlain of Scotland? Like a judge might get his portrait painted wearing his robes or a Grand Master wearing his apron.

Regards

Chas

[figheadair]

I was more curious about the sporran worn with his trews. Very dashing man, whoever he was.

Trews didn't have pockets so why wouldn't you use a sporran as was the practice throughout Europe in the Middle ages. Have a look again at the portrait of Fraser of Castleleathers. Now that's a sporran!