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Mrs Skene of Rubislaw
Mrs Skene of Rubislaw

Mrs Skene of Rubislaw

Artist (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1686 - c.1766)
Date1731
Mediumoil on canvas (oval)
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 76 cm, Width: 63.5 cm
Frame: Height: 88.4 cm, Width: 77 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1962.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003663
About MeJohn Alexander was a great grandson of George Jameson, through the marriage of his daughter Marjorie to the architect, John Alexander.

The artist studied in Italy 1710-1720 executed many portraits, like this one of Mrs Skene of Rubislaw, 1731. It has been said that his drawing is hard and unsympathetic, but his portraits show a considerable grasp of character and form, his handling of paint is fluid. Although lacking the grace, design and quality, his art has something of the same character as Allan Ramsay.
More About Me

Alexander studied partly in Italy where he got commissions from the Stuart court in exile. When he returned to Scotland, he had many Jacobite clients.