This mezzotint is of Robert Burns and his friend John Syme. John Syme was a local lawyer and held the position of District Collector of Stamps. His office was in Bank Street below Robert Burns' first home in Dumfries.
In July 1793 Burns and Syme embarked together on a tour of Galloway, staying at Kenmuir Castle, which inspired Burns to write "Scots Wha Hae". Following the death of the poet in 1796, Syme was unstinting in his support of Burns' widow and family.