Mrs Anne Stewart of St Fort

This portrait of Mrs Anne Stewart of St Fort at Cartwright Hall records a Fife gentlewoman whose family seat near Newport-on-Tay was part of the Scottish country house society that sustained Raeburn’s practice. The portrait demonstrates the network of provincial Scottish connections that complemented his Edinburgh-based clientele. 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 female portrait shows Raeburn’s balanced approach to female subjects, combining elegant presentation with truthful observation of features and expression.