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James Byres of Tonley
James Byres of Tonley

James Byres of Tonley

Artist (Dublin, Ireland, 1740 - 1808)
Sitter (Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 1733 - 1817)
Date1782-1791
Mediumpastel on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsHeight: 28 cm, Width: 24 cm
Frame Size: 40 x 36 x 3.8cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1978 by the National Art Collections Fund (Ramsay-Dyce Bequest).
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG000094
Keywords
About MeHugh Douglas Hamilton was a prominent society portraitist in the 18th century. His reputation was based mainly upon his intimate pastel drawings, earning him the name "Chalk Hamilton". He spent several years in Italy, when this pastel was made, where he was influenced by the neoclassical movement.

This portrait of James Byres of Tonley depicts one of the most influential figures in Jacobite circles in Rome. Byres' family had left Scotland after the failed 1745 rising and he was brought up in Paris. He was an antiquary and dealer with a background in painting and architecture, helping him to support visiting Scottish artists and to supply many noted clients with outstanding works of art and antiquities.


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This portrait of James Byres of Tonley depicts one of the most influential figures in Jacobite circles in Rome. What other items can you find in the Gallery connected to the Jacobites?