Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1750s.
Verso, old handwritten labels with much information about the Robertsons, including the following.
His brother William was in the bodyguard of Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Battle of Culloden. After the defeat to the Jacobite forces he fled to Sweden where he made a fortune. After some years he returned and bought an estate in Scotland.
His cousin James, 5th Earl of Southesk, had been attainted for the Jacobite Rising in 1715 and the earldom was not restored until 1855.
Andrew, the sitter in this portrait, quarrelled with his eldest son William and he left the estate of Foveran to William's brother. Alexander, William's son, as his father did not inherit the estate went to live in China where he made a fortune. Returning home he spent it all so he returned to China where he made another(moderate) fortune.
In the past this portrait has been rather heavily cleaned, so, as can be seen, the paint is a little thin in places.
ALLAN RAMSAY 1713–1784.
Ramsay was born in Edinburgh; he studied in London at St Martin's Lane Academy and at Hans Hysing's studio, before going to Italy to study. On his return he settled in London, although he continued to be active in Edinburgh. Between 1754 and 1757 he was in Italy, mostly in Rome. During his prime period he had a virtual monopoly on court painting. He became the official painter to George III in 1760, and Principal Painter-in-Ordinary in 1767. His assistants included David Martin, Alexander Nasmyth and Philip Reinagle.
SIZE:35.5 x 30.25 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Dorset.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1750s.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Portrait of a Andrew Robertson of Foveran; Follower of Allan Ramsay.
