David Milne, Senior (1734–1818)

This 1815 portrait of David Milne Senior at Paxton House depicts the father of Admiral Sir David Milne, connecting two generations of a Scottish Borders family. The Milne family’s association with Paxton House provides a domestic context for this portrait of the estate’s patriarch. Raeburn's distinctive 'square touch' technique applied oil paint in bold, direct strokes without underdrawing, building characterizations through decisive marks that gave his portraits an unusual physical...

Raeburn renders the elderly sitter with characteristic directness and warmth. The portrait captures the dignity of age with sensitive handling of the weathered features and thoughtful expression.