Lieutenant Colonel Alex Mackenzie (b.1768)

This portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Alex Mackenzie at Perth Art Gallery records a Highland military officer from the Mackenzie clan networks of northern Scotland. The military portraits Raeburn produced document the prominent Scottish contribution to the British Army during the late Georgian period. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays bold, direct brushwork building form through vigorous strokes of light and shadow rather than careful blending, with minimal underdrawing.

The military portrait renders uniform and decorations with Raeburn’s characteristic boldness. Strong characterization conveys the officer’s professional authority and Highland background.