Object Image

Robert Kerr, 1st Marquess of Lothian, 1636 - 1703. Statesman

Robert Kerr had his portrait painted by various artists. He was no doubt fascinated by Verelst, a Dutch flower-painter whose portraits became fashionable after he painted the royal family and several of Charles II’s mistresses. This intriguing image, painted in London, shows Kerr looking wistfully over his shoulder. It is typical of Verelst’s style, with its strong modelling and the equal attention paid to every element of the composition.

Kerr, a Presbyterian, had seen some military action in the Scottish Borders. His political career came later: he was awarded various Scottish positions by William and Mary, following his support of the Glorious Revolution in 1688. These included S...

About 1678
Oil on canvas
74.9 x 63.5cm
PG 1410
Image and text © National Galleries of Scotland, 2020