Mrs Tyndall Bruce

This portrait of Mrs Tyndall Bruce at Hill of Tarvit records a Fife gentlewoman whose family home at Falkland was part of the Scottish country house network that sustained Raeburn’s practice. Hill of Tarvit, where the portrait hangs, is itself a notable Scottish country house, now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. 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.

Raeburn presents the sitter with characteristic dignity and directness. His bold brushwork efficiently renders costume and setting while the face receives the concentrated attention that marks his best portrait work.