Attributed to Henri Gascar Paris 1634/5 - 1701 Rome

Probably commissioned by the sitter's friend, John Leslie, 7th Earl of Rothes (1630-1681) and thence by descent at Leslie House to Norman Evelyn Leslie, 19th Earl of Rothes, by whose executors sold, along with Leslie House, to Major Sir Robert Spencer-Nairn, Bt. 1919, by whom given to the present owners in 1953

The sitter was the eldest son of James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Queensberry and his second wife Margaret, daughter of John Stewart, 1st Earl of Traquair.  His family had suffered financially under Cromwell, but he was able to rebuild its fortunes.  In 1680 through the influence of Lord Chancellor Rothes, he was made Lord Justice-General of Scotland, and in 1682 Lord High Treasurer, as well as Governor of Edinburgh Castle.  He was the most powerful figure in Scotland until 1686 when James II deprived him of his offices.  He built Drumlanrig Castle, an undertaking which lasted over a decade from 1679 to 1691.  He married Isabel, daughter of William, 1st Marquess of Douglas.