Sir Henry Raeburn Figurative Paintings
British, 1756-1823
Sir Henry Raeburn, FRSE, RA, RSA (1756–1823) was a prominent Scottish portrait painter who is now largely credited for the revival of Scottish art in the early 19th century. Born in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, he was orphaned at a young age and subsequently educated at Heriot’s Hospital. He began his career as a goldsmith's apprentice, creating portrait miniatures before transitioning to oil painting, largely self-taught. Raeburn married the wealthy Ann Edgar, which enabled him to study art in Italy, where he was advised by Sir Joshua Reynolds and others. Upon returning to Edinburgh in 1787, Raeburn quickly gained success, painting notable figures like Sir Walter Scott and Dugald Stewart. He became known for his vigorous brushwork, strong characterizations, and dramatic lighting. His direct painting style and refusal to make preparatory sketches set him apart from contemporaries, incorporating elements of Romanticism. He was knighted by King George IV in 1822 and appointed the King’s limner for Scotland. He died in 1823 at his home in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
This distinguished three-quarter length portrait depicts Elizabeth Clough (b. circa 1970-1770s), matriarch of the Clough family of Keighley, West Yorkshire. The piece was commissioned by her son, John Clough (1799–1863), a prominent engineer and industrialist in Keighley. Clough owned and operated Grove Mills, a major worsted spinning and manufacturing facility which employed a significant portion of the local workforce.
Elizabeth Clough is portrayed seated in an upholstered armchair, dressed in sober but elegant attire—a dark shawl and a crisp white cap tied beneath her chin. Her direct, steady gaze and flushed cheeks convey quiet strength and maternal dignity. The subdued, neutral background serves to emphasize the face and upper body, while still maintaining an airy and light feel. The face is rendered with sensitive modeling and naturalistic lighting, while the fabric of her garments contain blockier brushstrokes yet do not lose their sensitivity. These characteristics, combined with the information gleaned from the label, place this piece in the tradition of early 19th century Scottish portraiture.to
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Artist: Sir Henry Raeburn
Half Length Portrait of Mr. Robertson of Edinburgh
By Sir Henry Raeburn
Located in Miami, FL
Half Length Portrait of Mr. Robertson
Sir. Henry Raeburn ( Scottish 1756 - 1823 )
Half Length Portrait of Mr. Robertson
29x 24
Purchased, J Leger & Son,...
Category
18th Century Realist Sir Henry Raeburn Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil
Portrait of Mrs. Johnstone
By Sir Henry Raeburn
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of Raeburns best works from his best period that is not in a museum or private collection.
Three-quarter length portrait, seated in a white dress with a black scarf over...
Category
Early 1800s Realist Sir Henry Raeburn Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil
$184,000 Sale Price
20% Off
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Previously Available Items
18th Century Oil Painting Portrait of Provost John Pitcairn of Dundee
By Sir Henry Raeburn
Located in London, GB
The pendant to the present portrait showing John Pitcairn's wife Jean, née Robertson, is in the Huntington Art Gallery, San Marino. Both works are datable to the 1790s. Pitcairn, who served as Provost of Dundee from 1782-84, a position his father-in-law also held from 1731-32, later sat to Raeburn for another portrait, dated to circa 1820, which is now in the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh
Sale of Christie's London: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 [Lot 00212]
Old Master & British Paintings Day Sale
Sold For 22,500 GBP Premium
Provenance
By descent from the sitter to his great-grandson,
Ronald Andrew Pitcairn of Pitcullo; Christie's, London, 25 June 1904, lot 58 (200 gns. to Wallis).
Alexander Reid, Glasgow.
With Agnew's, London, where acquired by A.R. Wilson Wood, 7 April 1909; Christie's, London, 26 June 1914, lot 78 (850 gns. to Agnew).
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 24 November 1972, lot 27 (320 gns.)
Private collection, Dublin, Ireland
Exhibition
Edinburgh, Royal Scottish Academy, 1876, no. 256
Literature
W. Armstrong, Sir Henry Raeburn, London, 1901, p. 110.
J. Greig, Sir Henry Raeburn, R.A., His life and work with a catalogue of his pictures, London, 1911, p. 55.
R. Asleson and S.M. Bennett, British Paintings at The Huntington, New Haven and London, 2001, p. 312, fig. 12
Sir Henry Raeburn FRSE RA RSA (4 March 1756 – 8 July 1823) was a Scottish portrait painter and Scotland's first significant portrait painter since the Union to remain based in Scotland. He served as Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland.
Raeburn was born the son of a manufacturer in Stockbridge, on the Water of Leith: a former village now within the city of Edinburgh. He had an older brother, born in 1744, called William Raeburn. His ancestors were believed to have been soldiers, and may have taken the name "Raeburn" from a hill farm in Annandale, held by Sir Walter Scott's family. Orphaned, he was supported by William and placed in Heriot's Hospital, where he received an education. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the goldsmith James Gilliland of Edinburgh, and various pieces of jewellery, mourning rings and the like, adorned with minute drawings on ivory by his hand, still exist. Soon he took to the production of carefully finished portrait miniatures; meeting with success and patronage, he extended his practice to oil painting, at which he was self-taught. Gilliland watched the progress of his pupil with interest, and introduced him to David Martin, who had been the favourite assistant of Allan Ramsay the Latter, and was now the leading portrait painter in Edinburgh. Raeburn was especially aided by the loan of portraits to copy. Soon he had gained sufficient skill to make him decide to devote himself exclusively to painting. George Chalmers (1776; Dunfermline Town Hall) is his earliest known portrait.
In his early twenties, Raeburn was asked to paint the portrait of a young lady he had noticed when he was sketching from nature in the fields. Ann was the daughter of Peter Edgar of Bridgelands, and widow of Count James Leslie of Deanhaugh. Fascinated by the handsome and intellectual young artist, she became his wife within a month, bringing him an ample fortune. The acquisition of wealth did not affect his enthusiasm or his industry, but spurred him on to acquire a thorough knowledge of his craft. It was usual for artists to visit Italy, and Raeburn set off with his wife. In London he was kindly received by Sir Joshua Reynolds, the president of the Royal Academy, who advised him on what to study in Rome, especially recommending the works of Michelangelo, and gave Raeburn letters of introduction for Italy. In Rome he met his fellow Scot Gavin Hamilton, Pompeo Girolamo Batoni and Byers, an antique dealer whose advice proved particularly useful, especially the recommendation that "he should never copy an object from memory, but, from the principal figure to the minutest accessory, have it placed before him." After two years of study in Italy he returned to Edinburgh in 1787, and began a successful career as a portrait painter. In that year he executed a seated portrait of the second Lord President Dundas.
Examples of his earlier portraiture include a bust of Mrs Johnstone of Baldovie and a three-quarter-length of Dr James Hutton...
Category
18th Century Old Masters Sir Henry Raeburn Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil
Sir Henry Raeburn figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Sir Henry Raeburn figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Sir Henry Raeburn in oil paint, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 18th century and is mostly associated with the Old Masters style. Not every interior allows for large Sir Henry Raeburn figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 24 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Alex Ross, Rebecca Mason Adams, and Cristian Mesa Velazquez. Sir Henry Raeburn figurative paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $46,675 and tops out at $522,000, while the average work can sell for $230,000.
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- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Henry Raeburn is famous for his work as a portrait artist. King George IV made the Scottish artist his official portrait painter based in Scotland. Raeburn was born 1756 and died in 1823. Find a range of Henry Raeburn art on 1stDibs.