Raeburn, aged 17, was an apprentice jeweller, working for one of Deuchar’s friends. On seeing the young Raeburn’s drawings, Deuchar was so impressed with his artistic talent that he began to tutor the young artist himself, and then arranged and helped fund further training for him. This portrait and Raeburn’s portrait of Deuchar, provide a touching memento of the older and younger artists’ friendship and mutual respect for one another.