Archibald Campbell [Mac Cailein Mòr], 3rd Duke of Argyll, 1682 - 1761. Statesman
About this artwork
Before succeeding his brother to the title of Duke of Argyll in 1744, Archibald Campbell was known as Earl of Ilay. A Whig supporter in the turbulent political climate of the early 1700s, he was Robert Walpole’s right-hand man in Scotland and became a very powerful figure during the 1740s and 50s. Trained as a lawyer, he held important posts including that of lord justice-general, the head of Scotland’s highest criminal court. This portrait, showing the Duke in legal robes, is one of three portraits of him by Ramsay. The image is now well-known due to Ilay’s close involvement in the foundation of the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1727. An engraved version of this very portrait appears on all of its banknotes from 1987 onwards, and features as a watermark in the newest series.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Allan Ramsay (1713 - 1784) Scottish
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title:Archibald Campbell [Mac Cailein Mòr], 3rd Duke of Argyll, 1682 - 1761. Statesman
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date created:1744
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:127.00 x 101.60 cm; Framed: 144.00 x 117.30 x 5.30 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1936
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accession number:PG 1293
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Allan Ramsay
Allan Ramsay
Ramsay, named after his father who was a poet, was internationally renowned for his outstanding portraits. He attended the new Academy of Saint Luke in Edinburgh and then continued his artistic education in Italy. He visited Rome, studying at the French Academy and Naples. British residents...