Jane (1748/1749–1812), Duchess of Gordon (after an original by Joshua Reynolds)

This portrait of the Duchess of Gordon at the Gordon Highlanders Museum is described as after Joshua Reynolds, indicating Raeburn produced a copy or adaptation of the English master’s original. Such copies served institutional and family purposes, ensuring that important likenesses were available at relevant Scottish locations. 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 portrait after Reynolds shows Raeburn interpreting the English painter’s style through his own Scottish technique. The comparison reveals the differences between Reynolds’ smooth idealization and Raeburn’s more direct approach.