Sir Henry Raeburn

Henry Raeburn was born on March 4, 1756.  Raeburn is best known for his portraits, with one of his most famous being of Sir Walter Scott.  Raeburn painted many of the leading Scottish figures of his day, completing Scott in 1822.

Raeburn was orphaned at an early age, and was largely brought up by his brother William, who took over the family manufacturing business after their father's death.  Henry was apprenticed at the age of 15 to a goldsmith to become a jeweller.  At the same time he began sketching.  The jeweller noticed his talents, and introduced him to David Martin, and portraitist in Edinburgh.  With encouragement, Raeburn's natural talent began to grow and flourish.