Sir Charles Forbes (1774-1849)

Raeburn employed chiaroscuro to create depth, contrasting Forbes' face and clothing with a dark background. Visible brushstrokes and a textured appearance characterize the oil paint application, indicative of Raeburn's handling of the medium.

Painted in 1810, the portrait was created during Raeburn's tenure as official royal portraitist in Scotland. Its current location is the National Library of Wales, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.

As a work by Raeburn, it reflects the portrait painting traditions of early 19th-century Scotland, blending formal representation with the artist's expressive use of light and shadow.

While specific influence or notable exhibitions of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader legacy of Henry Raeburn's portraiture, offering insight into Scottish societal figures of his time.