Sir John Belsches Wishart, later Stuart, 3rd Bt. (1752–1821)

This 1819 portrait of Sir John Belsches Wishart Stuart at an unspecified location records a Scottish baronet during Raeburn’s final years. Raeburn was knighted in 1822, the year of his death, and appointed King’s Limner for Scotland, the highest official artistic position in the country. Raeburn's distinctive 'square touch' technique applied oil paint in bold, direct strokes without underdrawing, building characterizations through decisive marks that gave his portraits an unusual physical...

The late portrait shows Raeburn’s mature technique at its most assured, with broad, confident handling of form and light. The sitter’s features are modeled with the directness and vigor characteristic of Raeburn’s best work.