Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
The first bearer of the name on record is one Duncan de Forbeys in c.1272 They were an east coast family, prominent in Aberdeenshire, and spread around the Moray Firth in the medieval period. They appear in Inverness at an early date, and rapidly became successful merchants.
In 1622 for the Scottish Parliament's tax on annual rents, money loaned with property as security, Duncan Forbes 'owed to 5 individuals £6,666 13s 4d Scots', but was in turn owed £10,000 Scots by another five individuals, including the clan chief, Sir Adam MacKay of Strathnaver in Sutherland.
He was wealthy enough by 1626 to be able to buy the estate of Culloden - a clear example of a wealthy urban merchant leaving trade to set his family up as land owners and lairds.
This Duncan Forbes, known as 'Grey Duncan', the progenitor of a long line of Duncan Forbes of Culloden, was descended from the family of Forbes of Tolquhoun on his father's side, and of the Keiths, Earls Marischal of Scotland, on his mother's side. (This family built one of Scotland's finest renaissance houses, now in ruins, at Tolquhoun in Aberdeenshire.) He was both Provost of Inverness and a member of the Scottish Parliament for the town, before dying in 1654, aged 84.
The frame is fine quality, 17th c., carved and giltwood.
The artist is as yet unknown, but clearly was talented and influenced by George Jamesone.
Jamesone (c.1589/90-1644) was born in Aberdeen and was the founder of the native Scottish school of portraiture. He was especially popular with the Scottish nobility.
Size inc. frame 37 x 32 inches
Provenance:
by descent through the family until the 1950's.
1987-2007, Roy Precious, North Yorkshire.
In 2007 re-acquired by a direct descendant of Grey Duncan.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art Profile Page
Sold...portrait of Duncan Forbes of Culloden (1570-1654); Scottish School
