Artwork

Anne Emily Sophia Grant (known as 'Daisy' Grant), Mrs William Markham (1836 - 1880)

Anne Emily Sophia Grant (known as 'Daisy' Grant), Mrs William Markham (1836 - 1880) is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist Francis Grant. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

This 1857 oil on canvas portrait by Francis Grant depicts Anne Emily Sophia Grant ("Daisy" Grant), later Mrs. William Markham, in a wintry outdoor setting. The work is part of the collection at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Daisy Grant, is portrayed standing in a snowy landscape, dressed in attire that balances elegance (long black coat with wide cape, red skirt) with practicality for cold weather. Her pose, with one hand on her hip and the other holding a small white object, conveys a sense of quiet confidence.

Technique & Style

Francis Grant employed chiaroscuro to capture the interplay of light on the subject's clothing, emphasizing the richness and detail of the fabrics. The contrast between the dark, detailed figure and the softer, pale background of bare trees and cloudy sky adds depth to the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1857, the portrait has been part of the Scottish National Gallery's collection in Edinburgh, ensuring its preservation and public accessibility.

Artist & collection

Artist

Francis Grant

Sir Francis Grant (18 January 1803 – 5 October 1878) was a Scottish portrait painter who painted Queen Victoria and many British aristocratic and political figures. He served as President of the Royal Academy.