Lot 141: Archibald Skirving (Athelstaneford 1749 - Inveresk 1819)

A Gentleman, wearing blue coat with black collar, white waistcoat and stock
signed on obverse with monogram and dated, AS 1798, gold frame
Oval, 67mm. (2 5/8ins.) high

Edinburgh, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Raeburn's Rival, 1999, no.122
H.M., 1999
P.A., 1999
S.N.P.G., 2000-2003

D. Foskett, A Dictionary of British Miniature Painters, London, 1972, I, p.511, illustrated II, pl.334: no.833
S.P.N.F., no.72

Grossman Collection
The Edward Grosvenor Paine Collection; Christie's, London, 23 October 1979, lot 161

This rare portrait by Skirving was painted on his return To Edinburgh from a spell in prison in Paris. Released in 1795, Skirving's time in prison had damaged him mentally and physically. During this time, he suffered from an eye condition ('unocular elipopia'), which meant that he painted few miniatures after this date.