Sir Henry Raeburn, R.A.

By descent to the sitters daughter Jane, wife of James Skene Esq of Rubislaw;
By descent within the family to Ernest H. Greene Esq;
By whose executors sold, London, Christie's, 27 May 1938, lot 103 for £157-10s. to Clinton;
Thence by family descent.

Edinburgh, Royal Scottish Academy, Exhibition of the Works of Sir Henry Raeburn, October - November 1876, no. 288.

D. Mackie, Raeburn, life and art, doct. diss., University of Edinburgh, 1993, vol. II, p. 410, under cat. no. 293.

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: The original canvas is lined and the paint layer is stable and secure; there is evidence of slightly raised stretcher marks. Minor restored , and now discoloured , paint loss can be seen to the background and to the sitter's forehead. A reduction of shrinkage cracks to the face can also be detected under U-V light. The original painted shadows of the face have been slightly compromised. The more textured areas of the image are well preserved and overall the painting is in a good state of preservation. Removal of the discoloured and degraded varnish would improve the tonality.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

A second version (with the same dimensions) of this portrait of Sir William Forbes by Raeburn is in the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. In both versions the sitter is depicted wearing the badge of the Baronets of Nova Scotia, a title created by Charles I in 1626, and which Sir William inherited from his father. Another version may also be found in the collection of the Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh. See also lot 310.