George Gordon (1770–1836), 5th and Last Duke of Gordon
Thomas Lawrence·c. 1800
Historical Context
Lawrence painted George Gordon, 5th and last Duke of Gordon, around 1800, depicting the Scottish nobleman whose title would become extinct upon his death in 1836. The Gordon family had been among the most powerful in Scotland for centuries, and the Duke was known for raising the Gordon Highlanders regiment. His Duchess, Jane Maxwell, was famous for recruiting soldiers by holding the King's shilling between her teeth. Now in the Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums, the portrait documents the twilight of one of Scotland's great noble houses.
Technical Analysis
The portrait conveys a sense of aristocratic distinction through careful attention to the Duke's features and bearing. Lawrence's restrained palette and composed arrangement suit the gravity of a figure who represented the end of a great Scottish dynasty.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the aristocratic distinction Lawrence projects for the last representative of one of Scotland's great dynasties.
- ◆Look at the restrained palette and composed arrangement: Lawrence honors the gravity of a man who represents the end of a great Scottish noble house.
- ◆Observe the Aberdeen Archives location: the last Duke of Gordon is preserved in the city most connected to the Gordon family's power.
- ◆Find the quality of ending: the portrait captures a man whose death would extinguish a title that had defined Scottish nobility for centuries.
_-_Isabella_Anne_Hutchinson_(1771%5E%E2%80%931829)%2C_Mrs_Jens_Wolff_-_537611_-_National_Trust.jpg&width=600)
%2C_Later_Countess_of_Derby_MET_DP169218.jpg&width=600)
_MET_DP162148.jpg&width=600)
