About this artwork

This portrait of William Keith, 6th Earl Marischal, was probably commissioned by Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy. Marischal would have known the artist well, his brother was godfather to Jamesone’s son George, and the artist painted various members of his family. This portrait was painted before the ambitious young soldier signed the National Covenant. He subsequently occupied Aberdeen several times, seeking to force its citizens to subscribe to the Covenant. However, Marischal fell out with the leading Covenanters after being refused control of the army in the north east. He was imprisoned during the Commonwealth and became a supporter of Charles II.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    George Jamesone (1589/90 - 1644) Scottish
  • title:
    William Keith, 6th Earl Marischal, 1614 - 1661. Leader of the Covenanters
  • date created:
    Dated 1636
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    67.30 x 56.50 cm; Framed: 83.50 x 75.00 x 7.00 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1925
  • accession number:
    PG 994
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
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George Jamesone

George Jamesone