_(style_of)_-_William_Mills_(1776%E2%80%931857)%2C_Lord_Provost_of_Glasgow_(1834%E2%80%931837)_-_689_-_Glasgow_Museums_Resource_Centre.jpg&width=1200)
William Mills (1776–1857), Lord Provost of Glasgow (1834–1837)
Sir Henry Raeburn·c. 1790
Historical Context
This portrait of William Mills at Glasgow Museums depicts the Glasgow merchant who served as Lord Provost of Glasgow from 1834 to 1837. As the chief magistrate of Scotland’s industrial capital during a period of rapid growth, Mills represented the new commercial class that was transforming Scottish urban life. 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.
Technical Analysis
Raeburn captures the civic dignity of the Lord Provost with appropriate formality. Bold brushwork renders the costume of office while the face shows the direct, businesslike character of a successful merchant.
