Artwork
James Johnston of Straiton (died 1841)
James Johnston of Straiton (died 1841) is an oil painting by Henry Raeburn. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The paint is applied with varying thickness, thicker in the highlights of the face and more thinly in the dark background, focusing attention on the sitter.
This portrait by Henry Raeburn is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard combination for British portraiture of the period. The canvas measures 89.5 by 69.2 cm. Raeburn's handling is characteristic of his mature style: broad, confident brushwork models the sitter's face and clothing with a restrained palette, while subtle contrasts of light and shadow lend a sense of solidity and presence. The paint is applied with varying thickness, thicker in the highlights of the face and more thinly in the dark background, focusing attention on the sitter. The work is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
Painted by Sir Henry Raeburn in 1800, this oil-on-canvas portrait depicts James Johnston of Straiton. The work measures 89.5 cm in height and 69.2 cm in width and belongs to the portrait genre. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
No earlier ownership records are provided in the sources, and no specific inventory or accession number or exhibition history is recorded in the available documentation.
Overview
Henry Raeburn's 1800 oil portrait depicts James Johnston of Straiton, a Scottish subject. This painting exemplifies Raeburn's work as a leading figure in late 18th- and early 19th-century Scottish art. As a portrait, it captures the likeness of its sitter, showcasing the artist's characteristic style. The artwork is currently housed within the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait features an older man, James Johnston, seated with an open book before him. His serious countenance and the ring worn on his left hand suggest a figure of gravitas. Dressed in a dark blue coat and white cravat, he is positioned against a plain, dark background, which directs the viewer's attention entirely to his figure and expression.
Context
Henry Raeburn was a significant Scottish portrait painter whose career spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His artistic contributions positioned him as a leading figure in the Scottish art scene of his time. His prominence was later formally recognized through his appointment as Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland, underscoring his national importance.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Henry Raeburn (; 4 March 1756 – 8 July 1823) was a Scottish portrait painter. He served as Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland.
