Allan Ramsay
Allan Ramsay- A Famous Scottish Artist - Royal portrait painter
Allan Ramsay (1713-84). The eldest son of Allan Ramsay, the poet, he was born in Edinburgh and educated at the city's High School; he trained mostly in Italy (1736-8) but after working for a while in Edinburgh settled in London in 1762. He was hailed as 'the greatest Scottish portrait painter of the 18th century'. In 1767 he was appointed portrait painter to George Ill and his state portraits of the royal family brought him many commissions from the aristocracy. Amongst his pupils were David Martin (1737-97) and Alexander Nasmyth (1758-1840). In his declining years he retired from painting (he had an accident which injured his right arm) and took up literary pursuits.
Back to : - Famous Scots