Lot 16: George Watson, P.R.S.A. (1767-1837)

Portrait of Andrew Scott of Bowden (1757-1839), bust-length, in a black jacket and red cravat, in a painted oval with inscription ' Geo. Watson Pinx/1823 ' (on the relined reverse) oil on canvas 30 x 243/4 in. (76.1 x 62.8 cm.) Sold with four volumes of poetry by Andrew Scott including three editions of Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, two published in 1808 and one published in 1821; and Poems on Various Subjects published in 1826; and an autograph letter signed 'Walter Scott' and dated 3 Sept 1804 (presumably to Andrew Scott) apologising for being away when he called and for being unable to undertake the task he has requested, but agreeing to take two copies of his book. (6) NOTES Scott was the son of a labourer who fought in the American War of Independance, on his return to Scotland he settled in Bowden in the Scottish borders and from there published his poetry. George Watson was the first president of the Society of Scottish Artists and established a successful portrait studio in Edinburgh, he was greatly influence and Raeburn and produced many portraits of leading figures of the time.