Mrs Skene of Rubislaw

Artist John Alexander (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

Keywords

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.
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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.