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Alexander Maconochie (1777–1861) of Meadowbank by Henry Raeburn

Henry Raeburn · 1799-01-01

This is a portrait of Alexander Maconochie, who later became Lord Meadowbank, painted around 1799 by Sir Henry Raeburn. Raeburn was the preeminent Scottish portrait painter of his era, eventually becoming Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland. In this painting, Maconochie presents a formal and serious demeanor, his dark coat and white cravat suggesting his status. His direct gaze and slightly parted lips invite contemplation. Raeburn's skill is evident in the rendering of textures and the subtle modeling of the face, all set against a dark, receding background that emphasizes the sitter's presence. This portrait reflects the importance of capturing the likeness of prominent individuals within Scottish society during that period.

Details

His mouth is slightly parted, as if speaking.
His mouth is slightly parted, as if speaking.
The dark coat suggests wealth and status.
The dark coat suggests wealth and status.
A crisp white cravat adds a touch of elegance.
A crisp white cravat adds a touch of elegance.
The rendering of his hair, with its slight disarray, adds a touch of realism and suggests movement or a breeze.
The rendering of his hair, with its slight disarray, adds a touch of realism and suggests movement or a breeze.
Transcript

This is Alexander Maconochie, later Lord Meadowbank. His direct gaze draws you into the room. His mouth is slightly parted, as if speaking. Raeburn painted him in 1799. The dark coat suggests wealth and status. A crisp white cravat adds a touch of elegance. Raeburn was Scotland's top portrait painter then.