Portrait of a Gentleman C.1675, Follower of David Scougall (1610-1680)

Fine bust length portrait of a young gentleman with long hair, wearing a large white cravat tied with a jewelled pin, over armour c.1675. The attire is an indication of wealth and status and subjects often quite consciously engineered their public image in an ambition to stand out from others. Portraiture was often regarded as a means of displaying achievements, capabilities and superiority. Scougall’s clients included some of the most powerful people in Scotland such as Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyll, whose daughter Scougal also painted in 1654. Compositionally the black dramatically accentuates the face and is often typical of portraiture of this period. The close perspective provides a sense of intimacy. A good condition, alluring and interesting early portrait from a private collection of a title Lady. Good antique frame.

Provenance: Property of a titled Lady; With Wilkins & Wilkins, London; Christies London, 27th May 1988 sale, Lot: 174, Portrait of a Gentleman, bust length, in armour and white Cravat

David Scougall was Scottish and was active from 1661 to 1677. He may have studied with John Michael Wright, whose work he certainly copied, but very little is known about this portrait painter aside from the works signed by or attributed to him and a few surviving accounts. John Scougal (c.1645-c.1730), thought to be David’s son, was also a portrait painter as was George Scougall (act.1715-1724), thought to be David’s grandson. Some early works of these two artists may have been confused with those of the older artist.

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