Artwork
William Scott-Elliot of Arkleton (1811–1901)
William Scott-Elliot of Arkleton (1811–1901) is an oil painting by Henry Raeburn. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work is a portrait depicting William Scott-Elliot of Arkleton, who was a boy at the time of the painting's creation in 1815. As a formal portrait, the primary subject is the individual himself, capturing his likeness during his youth. The painting serves to document the appearance of the young William Scott-Elliot, preserving his image through the medium of oil on canvas.
Technique & Style
The work is an oil painting on canvas, classified as a portrait and dated to 1815. Its dimensions are 120.3 cm in height by 93 cm in width. The medium of oil paint on canvas support is consistent with Raeburn's standard practice for full-scale portrait commissions of this period, allowing for the rich tonal modeling and direct handling associated with his mature style.
History & Provenance
The painting later entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is held within the European Paintings department.
William Scott-Elliot of Arkleton was painted by Henry Raeburn in 1815. The portrait, executed in oil paint on canvas, was produced during the artist's mature career and depicts its sitter as a boy. The painting later entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is held within the European Paintings department.
No further details regarding the original commission, intermediate ownership, or chain of custody before the museum's acquisition are documented in the available sources.
Overview
This oil painting by Henry Raeburn, completed in 1815, presents a portrait of William Scott-Elliot of Arkleton during his childhood. Raeburn, a prominent Scottish artist, captured the likeness of the young subject with a direct gaze. The work exemplifies the artist's skill in rendering individual character and form through the medium of oil paint, reflecting the artistic trends of the early 19th century in Scotland.
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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.
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