Portrait of Sir David Wilkie

This 19th century portrait of Sir David Wilkie is after Thomas Phillips' painting of his fellow artist. Wilkie and Phillips were both in London, though Wilkie became best known for his genre scenes inspired by Dutch masters of the 17th century, Phillips specialised in portraiture. Philips is known for his portrayals of 'men of genius', with this portrait signalling that Wilkie was to be considered amongst this rank. Phillips depicted his contemporary in a high collared shirt and plain black jacket, gazing out contemplatively to the right of the canvas.

Sir David Wilkie was a Scottish painter born in Pitlessie Fife 1785. Particularly known for his genre scenes he also depicted historical scenes, portraits and scenes from his travels to Europe and the Middle East. Discovering his love of art from an early age, Wilkie began studying at the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh before leaving Scotland for London in 1805. Wilkie achieved early fame through his episodes of Scottish rural life, including inn scenes, village fairs and weddings. His patrons included Sir George Beaumont, a major sponsor behind the creation of the National Gallery, the Prince Regent and Sir John Julius Angerstein, whose collection formed the cornerstone of the National Gallery. He was elected an associate of the Royal Academy in 1809 and a full Academician in 1811.

In 1822 Wilkie was commissioned to paint a portrait of King George IV commemorating his visit to Scotland and the following year was appointed Royal Limner for Scotland.

On his return voyage to Britain in 1841, following his travels in the Middle East, he was taken ill, eventually dying at sea off Gibraltar. He was buried at sea and was commemorated by J. M. W. Turner in his painting Peace - Burial at Sea.

Thomas Phillips RA

Thomas Phillips was born in 1770 in Dudley. He was trained in the art of glass making, moving to London in 1790 to work on the stained-glass windows of St George's Chapel, Windsor. The following year he became a student of the Royal Academy, first focusing on History painting before turning towards the more profitable portraiture, painting over 700 portraits over his long career. He rose steadily in public favour, gaining more and more commissions from notable patrons including the Prince of Wales, William Blake and Lord Byron. In 1808 Phillips was elected a member of the Royal Academy and in 1824 he became its professor of painting until 1832.

Phillips married Elizabeth Fraser of Fairfield, near Inverness and the couple had four children, two daughters and two sons, with their youngest son following in his father's footsteps becoming a portrait artist himself. Phillips passed away on the 20th April 1845.