Portrait of Mrs. Stewart-Richardson

This 1790 portrait of Mrs. Stewart-Richardson is a product of the period when Raeburn was establishing himself as Edinburgh’s leading portraitist after his return from two years of study in Rome (1784–1786). His Italian experience refined his technique while his essentially Scottish character and Edinburgh base ensured a steady stream of local commissions. Characteristic of Raeburn's approach, the work displays bold, direct brushwork with strong chiaroscuro and psychological penetration. Raeburn's distinctive 'square touch' technique—applying paint in bold, flat strokes without glazing—gave his portraits an immediacy unmatched by his more technically polished contemporaries in London.

The portrait demonstrates Raeburn’s post-Italian refinement in handling light and form. His characteristic direct painting method creates a freshness of surface that distinguishes his work from more labored portrait techniques.