He was to become one of Scotland’s greatest portrait painters.

Allan Ramsay‘s father was the poet of the same name. Born in Edinburgh and initially educated  there, like many Scots he travelled to Europe and continued his studies in Italy.

He was appointed King’s Painter by King George III.

In 1773 an injury to his arm prevented him continuing with his painting career and he concentrated on writing.

King George III by Allan Ramsay 1787