German School

One of a set of portraits comissioned by Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy (1577-1640) for Taymouth Castle;
thence by descent to Armorer, Countess of Breadalbane by whom sold in 1969, probably as part of the Invereil sale

D. Thomson, The Life and Art of George Jamesone, Oxford 1974, pp. 29. 105, 107

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is a horizontal canvas join, approximately one inch from the bottom of the canvas and the canvas appears to have been slightly cropped on the right hand side at some point. There is faintly visible minor re-touching to a horizontal crack in the paint, running through the centre of the painting, at the level of the sitter's lips, approximately 11 inches long. There is minor frame abrasion down the left hand edge of the canvas, and scattered minor abrasion in the lower section of the canvas. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals an old, discoloured and opaque varnish overall, and confirms the condition mentioned above. There does not appear to be any further notable retouching. FRAME Held in painted wooden frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This fine portrait forms part of an important set of portraits of lairds of the Campbell family which was painted for Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy in 1633. Sir Colin was an enthusiastic genealogist and produced the so-called Black Book of Taymouth, which records the ancestry of his branch of the Campbell family. At the back of this book is a series of illustrated images of the early lairds and these formed the basis of this set of portraits. According to the Black Book they were painted by 'one Germane painter, quhom he entertanit in his house aucht moneth.' This unknown artist, probably from the Low Countries, was paid a total of £1000 for a large group of portraits both of Campbell's ancestors and of early kings and queens.

The sitter in the present portrait was the sixth laird, known as Grey Colin on account of his beard and long white hair. His father, also called Colin, was the founder of the cadet branch of the Clan Campbell, the main branch being the ancestors of the Earls of Argyll. During his long life Colin Campbell was responsible for the re-establishment of the Campbell fortunes. Through his marriage in 1551 to his second wife Katherine Ruthven he formed an important alliance with that significant Perthshire family. This also led to contacts at the royal court.

Campbell's feud with the McGregor clan was of legendary ferocity and in 1570 he himself executed Gregor Roy, the McGregor clan chief. He was responsible for the building of a castle at the east end of Loch Tay (now Taymouth Castle) and at Edinample on Loch Earn, as well as for the renovation of Kilchurn Castle, which had previously been a McGregor stronghold.