David Chalmers of Westburn

Artist Artist Unknown

Associated David Chalmers (Aberdeenshire, Scotland, born 1778)

Date1825-1849

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 75.8 cm, Width: 63.7 cm
Frame: Height: 101.6 cm, Width: 88.9 cm

AcquisitionBequeathed in 1958 by Col. J C Simpson.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003568

Keywords

About MeThis accomplished portrait came into the collection attributed to 'Waterhouse' but there is no well documented artist of that name from the early 19th century. The painting likely dates from around 1800-1825 and whilst it appears at first glance to be in the manner of Raeburn, the soft pink flesh tones and high finish are more indicative of an English portraitist, than the loose, painterly style of the Scots.

David Chalmers of Westburn was editor-proprietor of the Aberdeen Journal and a close relation of Margaret Chalmers, the mother of Aberdeen artist William Dyce. In 1823, Chalmers purchased the policies of Westburn (now Aberdeen’s Westburn Park) and later commissioned Archibald Simpson to build Westburn House.