Allan Ramsay (1713-84) was one of the greatest Scottish portrait painters. Here’s a picture of the artist’s wife (1758), a self-portrait (1756) & his famous portrait of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (c1766). The great Scotsman was born on this day.

Born in Edinburgh, he moved to London to train & in 1736 he travelled to Italy where he studied under Solimena returning to Scotland in 1738. Portrait of a lady (c1740), Lord Manners (c1742) & The Marquess of Granby (1745) - now that’s a pose!

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Ramsay excited attention in Edinburgh with his full-length Duke of Argyll (1749). The Scottish artist demonstrated his knowledge of Italian chiaroscuro (dark & light) & ability to give presence. This was based on careful studies (shown) & helped establish his reputation

In 1749 Ramsay completed a number of portraits of women including Flora MacDonald (proud of her Highland tartan) & a moving image of Rosamond Sargent. His wife, Anne, is from 1739. The rich, subtle & sympathetic evolution of his vision is clear by comparison between years

Ramsay’s first wife died in 1743. He eloped with his 2nd in 1752. His love for her is clear in this portrait of 1758. Also shown is his portrait of an unknown man (c1757) & an elegant image of James Adam (1754). He was back in Italy 1754-7.

Ramsay was equally comfortable painting men & women. His Robert Wood (1755) is a superb image with psychological intensity. His John Burgoyne (1755) shows a Grand Tour client. He was a gifted draughtsman as shown in a sensitive study of an Italian girl

In 1761 Ramsay was appointed principal painter in ordinary to George III. Given that the royal image needed to be produced in large numbers he was assisted by others. However his charming portrait of the queen is mostly his own work

Ramsay is best known for his portraits of enlightenment figures such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1766) & David Hume (in two portraits, 1766). These emphasise his ability to portray his sitters with empathy & depth.

Ramsay’s work was based on careful preliminary drawings, a number of which survive. His study of hands & ability to achieve three dimensions is fantastic. Here too is a sympathetic portrait of a girl & a surprisingly modern academic study that could be 100 years later

Perhaps Ramsay’s most moving portrait is his painting of his dead son (1741), which he kept all his life. His self-portrait (detail, c1737) shows his genius at brushwork & focused perception. Also depicted is a recently rediscovered portrait of Bonny Prince Charlie (c1745)

The best place to enjoy Ramsay’s work is in the superb National Gallery, Edinburgh. Ramsay managed to achieve greatness due to his ability to portray his subjects with authentic emotion & exquisite technique. His ability for colour & texture of fabric is superlative

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