Artwork

Portrait of a Man (said to be Sir Peter Halkett, 2nd Baronet of Pitfirrane, d.1755)

Portrait of a Man (said to be Sir Peter Halkett, 2nd Baronet of Pitfirrane, d.1755) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Hans Hysing. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the Scottish National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1735, this oil portrait by Hans Hysing presents a gentleman with flowing white curls, dressed in a scarlet coat trimmed in gold and finished with tassels. He stands before a dark, unadorned backdrop, his white shirt visible beneath the military‑style jacket, conveying a sense of rank and formality typical of early eighteenth‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is traditionally identified as Sir Peter Halkett, the second Baronet of Pitfirrane, who died in 1755. His attire—a red coat with ornamental gold—suggests a connection to military service or a position of authority, reflecting the social status and public role expected of a Scottish baronet of the period.

Technique & Style

Hysing employed the oil medium to achieve a smooth modelling of flesh and a luminous quality in the fabrics. The contrast between the vivid red of the coat and the deep, muted background highlights the figure, while the fine brushwork on the hair and tassels demonstrates the artist's skill in rendering texture and detail.

History & Provenance

The work has been part of the Scottish National Gallery’s collection, where it remains accessible to the public. Its attribution to Hysing and identification of the sitter have been maintained through museum records, linking the painting to the Halkett family lineage and the broader context of 18th‑century Scottish portraiture.