Sir Francis Grant

Francis Grant self-portrait. Image courtesy of Bonhams

Francis Grant was the fifth child of Francis and Ann Grant of Kilgraston. Born in 1803, he did not complete his Law degree at Edinburgh University and, instead, resolved to become an artist. Having spent his considerable inheritance, he became one of the most sought after portrait artists of his time, as well as being an accomplished painter of equestrian subjects. Elected as President of the Royal Academy, he was largely responsible for its relocation from Trafalgar Square to Burlington House. His sitters included Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Sir Walter Scott and numerous Prime Ministers, and his paintings are held in private and public collections in the United Kingdom and abroad.