John Crichton-Stuart (1793–1848), 2nd Marquess of Bute

This portrait of John Crichton-Stuart, 2nd Marquess of Bute, records the Scottish-Welsh aristocrat who was one of the wealthiest landowners in Britain through his Cardiff coal and dock interests. The Bute family’s vast industrial wealth transformed Cardiff from a small town to a major port during the 19th century. 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 renders the young marquess with the aristocratic poise appropriate to his rank. The portrait balances formal presentation with the naturalistic directness that distinguishes Raeburn’s approach from more idealized English portrait styles.