Portrait Of Captain David Erskine

A watercolour of David Erskine, son of the 11th Earl of Buchan.

This portrait of Erskine shows him in military uniform although there is no insignia to identify his regiment. Erskine was born in 1772 and was a Captain in the 31st Foot Regiment and the Royal York Rangers. He was also a Captain of Companies of Gentlemen Cadets at the Royal Military College, retiring on half pay in 1820. He trained the sons of the future William IV and was knighted for his service in September 1830. He was a founder of the Scottish Naval and Military Academy in Edinburgh in 1825. In 1829, on his father's death, he was given the family estates which included Dryburgh Abbey.

Aside from his military career, Erskine was also very interested in the arts. He was a member of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, like his father before him, a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and was an amateur artist and published dramatist. In 1825 he wrote Airyformia; or Ghosts of great note, in 1827 King James I of Scotland; a tragedy in five acts, in 1828 King James II of Scots :an Historical Drama in five acts and the following year Mary Queen of Scots or Melrose During The Last of the Abbots. He died in 1837.

The picture is in a period rosewood frame with gilt slip but it may not be original. To the back is a card naming the subject 'Sir David Erskine Knt of Dryburgh'. Although an amateur artist, the work is too good to be a self portrait. Erskine moved in the right circles in Edinburgh to know a number of professional artists and his likeness has been captured by an assured hand. Circa 1825.

Framed Size is given.