Who painted Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon (active 1788 - about 1826)?

Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon (active 1788 - about 1826) was painted by Henry Raeburn in 1794.

Where can I see Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon (active 1788 - about 1826)?

Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon (active 1788 - about 1826) is held by National Galleries Scotland.

What movement is Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon (active 1788 - about 1826)?

Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon (active 1788 - about 1826) is associated with Neoclassicism.

Artwork

Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon (active 1788 - about 1826)

Henry Raeburn , 1794

Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon (active 1788 - about 1826) is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Henry Raeburn. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

This 1794 oil painting by Henry Raeburn portrays Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon, set against a serene landscape. The subject wears a dark blue military uniform adorned with gold accents, holding a book and pen, conveying an air of refinement.

Subject & Meaning

Lieutenant-Colonel George Lyon, an officer active from 1788 to circa 1826, is depicted in a manner suggesting elegance and intellectual inclination, as indicated by the book and pen. The overall composition implies a balance between military and refined pursuits.

Technique & Style

Executed in the neoclassical style, the painting features warm colors and soft lighting, contributing to a calm atmosphere. Raeburn's technique emphasizes clarity and sobriety, typical of the period's portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created in 1794 by Scottish artist Henry Raeburn, who later became Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland, the painting is now part of the Scottish National Gallery's collection.

Context

The portrait reflects the late 18th-century aesthetic values, blending military honor with the Enlightenment's emphasis on intellectual pursuits. It also showcases Raeburn's emerging style during this period.

Legacy

As part of the Scottish National Gallery's holdings, the portrait contributes to the institution's collection of early 19th-century Scottish art, offering insight into the period's portraiture and the career of Henry Raeburn.