‘The Honourable Mrs Graham’ (1757-1792) oil on canvas, measuring 237.00 cm x 154.00 cm was painted by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), who is considered as the most versatile English portrait and landscape artist of the 18th century. In the beginning of his career, the artist shows his models sitting in a group but as he became more well-known he adopted a more formal style like Anthony Van Dyck. His artworks are celebrated for their sophistication, exuberance and refinement.

This canvas portrays Mary Cathcart who was married to Thomas Graham; the painting was very well received when it was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1777. She died during her journey to France and her husband ordered to take the painting away. The portrait was discovered by his descendants afterwards and they gifted it to the National Gallery of Scotland where it is still on display. — S.A.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, November 29th, 2015