Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1700s.
WILLIAM AIKMAN (1682-1731) was a Scottish portrait painter, only son of the Laird of Cairney, Forfar where he was born. He developed a passion for painting and studied under Medina, sold the family estate and went to Rome in 1707 for three years. He settled in Edinburgh in 1712 and was an excellent taker of likenesses, the best Edinburgh portraitist of his time, painting most of the nobility, gentry and lawyers.
In 1723, encouraged by the Duke of Argyll, he moved to London where he was not only patronised by Scots, but became well known in literary circles and the friend of Pope, Gray, Thomson and others.
He died in London but by his wish was buried in Grey Friars Church, Edinburgh.
SIZE: 37.5 x 32.5 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE:
Scottish Private Collection.
Sotheby's October 2004.
London Private Collection.
Verso: old Edinburgh framers and art dealers' labels.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1700s.
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 a Lady C.1720; Attributed to William Aikman.
