The painting that made Allan Ramsay famous is Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) (1762); it hangs in the Buckingham Palace, London. King George III (1761) and George III (1738–1820) (1764) follow it in the hearts of collectors and museum visitors. Of the 223 works by Allan Ramsay in our catalogue, these 100 are the most admired, each presented with its date, its museum and what sets it apart.
Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated October 2026. Every masterpiece on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, at the size you choose.
To stand before this portrait is to encounter the quiet authority of Queen Charlotte. Painted in 1762, the work captures the Queen in a moment of formal repose, her presence defined by a sense of calm and sovereign grace. The composition is vertical and balanced, placing her as the central figure within a grand, neoclassical interior. A fluted column rises to the right, providing a strong verticality that anchors the…
This oil on canvas portrait, titled King George III, presents a formal depiction of George III of Great Britain. Created by the Scottish painter Allan Ramsay, the work captures the monarch in a moment of regal composure. It was executed in 1761, a period when Ramsay was establishing his presence within the highest circles of British society.
In the grand tapestry of eighteenth-century portraiture, few works command the room with as much authoritative grace as Allan Ramsay’s 1764 masterpiece, George III. This breathtaking portrait serves as more than a mere likeness; it is a profound window into the heart of the British monarchy during an era of immense transition. As the viewer gazes upon the King, they are immediately struck by the sheer scale and presence of…
This oil on canvas portrait, created between 1764 and 1766, depicts Emily FitzGerald, Duchess of Leinster, also known as Emily, Marchioness of Kildare. The subject is presented in a contemplative pose, appearing book-learned as she reads the ancient historian Procopius. The composition centers on the seated woman, whose posture and the open book on the table before her suggest a moment of quiet study. The scene is characterized by soft,…
The portrait presents a man in a three-quarter length pose, positioned centrally against a dark, atmospheric background. He is oriented slightly toward his left, facing the viewer with a direct gaze. The subject wears a structured, military-style dark coat decorated with gold embroidery, paired with a white waistcoat and a crisp white cravat. Below the waist, red breeches are visible. A powdered wig frames a face characterized by soft, blended…
The oil on canvas work titled Mrs. Lindesay of Eaglescarnie was executed by the artist Allan Ramsay in 1750. This portrait depicts a subject also identified as Madame Lindesay d'Eaglescarnie. The painting is presented in an oval-format bust-length composition.
In this formal 18th-century oil portrait, Allan Ramsay presents Henry Bellenden with a quiet sense of dignity. Painted about 1749, the work captures the subject in a three-quarter length view, seated in a manner that suggests both relaxation and a certain commanding presence. The portrait focuses on the individual, using the sitter's posture and attire to communicate a sense of intellectual refinement and social standing.
Richard Grenville, 2nd Earl Temple, is presented in a formal, full-length state portrait that emphasizes his noble lineage and authority. He stands in a three-quarter length pose, slightly off-center to create a sense of dynamic stability. The subject is draped in ceremonial regalia, including a heavy mantle and an ornamental sword, which signal his high social status. A crimson sash and waistcoat provide a sharp contrast against the dark, heavy…
This oil on canvas portrait, titled Alexander Boswell, Lord Auchinleck, presents a formal study of the Scottish judge created by the artist Allan Ramsay. Painted between 1754 and 1755, the work captures the subject in a moment of quiet authority. Ramsay, a prominent figure in eighteenth-century British portraiture, brings a refined sensibility to this depiction of the man who would become a significant legal figure in Scotland.
This oil on canvas painting, titled Portrait Of Sir William Pulteney, Earl Of Bath, presents a formal study of William Pulteney, 1st Earl of Bath. The work is a portrait executed by the Scottish painter Allan Ramsay. It captures the subject in a manner that reflects the social standing of the 18th-century aristocracy.
To stand before this portrait is to step directly into the refined drawing rooms of the mid-eighteenth century. Jane Nisbet, Lady Dirleton, painted in 1748 by Allan Ramsay,…
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The portrait depicts Mrs Elizabeth Symonds positioned slightly off-center to the left within an interior setting. She is rendered with a smooth, porcelain-like quality to her skin, contrasted…
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This oil on canvas portrait presents Mary Adam, a figure of quiet dignity captured by the Scottish painter Allan Ramsay. Dated 1754, the work offers a direct encounter…
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is a portrait executed by the Scottish artist Allan Ramsay in 1740. The subject, also identified as Arabella Countess Breadalbane and Holland Campbell (Pershall), is presented in a…
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Allan Ramsay’s Portrait of Queen Charlotte: Elegance Defined Allan Ramsay's depiction of Queen Charlotte with her two sons—a masterpiece completed in 1765—stands as a cornerstone of Rococo portraiture…
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The gaze of Lady Frances Wemyss, Lady Steuart Denham, 1722 - 1789, meets the viewer through a portrait that captures a specific moment of aristocratic poise. Painted in…
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This oil on canvas portrait, titled Elizabeth Cunyngham, Mrs Daniel Cunyngham, was executed by the artist Allan Ramsay. The work depicts Elizabeth Hodges, who is identified as Mrs…
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The artwork titled Portrait of a Man is an oil on canvas painting created by the artist Allan Ramsay. This portrait depicts a young man positioned in a…
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Allan Ramsay’s “Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), with her Two Eldest Sons” is more than just a portrait; it's a meticulously crafted window into the opulent world of 18th-century British…
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This exquisite portrait, dating from 1749, offers an intimate window into the refined world of the mid-eighteenth century Scottish gentry. Depicting Janet, daughter of the Honourable Sir David…
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In the quiet intimacy of Allan Ramsay’s 1750 portrait, James Haughton Langston emerges from the shadows not merely as a man, but as an emblem of an era…
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In the delicate dance of light and shadow captured within Allan Ramsay’s 1756 masterpiece, Mary Digges, Lady Robert Manners, we encounter more than just a portrait; we encounter…
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To stand before this portrait of The Honourable William Finch is to step directly into the refined drawing rooms of 18th-century England. Painted in 1744, this work by…
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To stand before this portrait is to step directly into the vibrant, powdered world of the mid-eighteenth century. Captain Thomas Wallace is more than just a likeness; it…
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The oil on canvas titled Portrait of Lady Susanna Campbell, n�e Bernard (d. 1751) captures a specific moment of presence. Created by the artist Allan Ramsay, this portrait…
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To stand before this portrait of Rosamund Sargent, née Chambers, is to step directly into the luminous, delicate world of mid-eighteenth-century English society. Painted in 1749 by Allan…
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Created in 1741, Miss Craigie is an oil on canvas portrait by the Scottish-born artist Allan Ramsay. The subject, identified as Miss Craigie, later known as Mrs. Reid,…
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In the luminous portrait of Lady Anne Campbell, Countess of Strafford, we are transported to the heart of the mid-eighteenth century, an era defined by unparalleled elegance and…
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In this commanding portrait from 1743, the esteemed Scottish painter Allan Ramsay captures the very essence of aristocratic prestige through his depiction of James Murray, the 2nd Duke…
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Allan Ramsay’s “Flora Macdonald,” painted in 1749, is more than just a likeness; it's a potent distillation of Scottish history, embodying the spirit of rebellion and the quiet…
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To gaze upon Allan Ramsay's portrait of Jean, Lady Banff, is to step directly into the refined drawing rooms of 18th-century Scotland. Painted in 1747, this oil on…
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Allan Ramsay's “David Wemyss, Lord Elcho” is more than just a painted likeness; it’s a carefully constructed tableau of 18th-century Scottish aristocracy, imbued with the formality and restrained…
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The Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, is home to an impressive collection of artworks that showcase the country's rich history and culture. Among these masterpieces…
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Anne Bayne (d.1743), Wife of the Artist Allan Ramsay) is a portrait by Allan Ramsay, executed in 1739. The subject is Anne Bayne, the artist's wife, captured during…
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![Miss Hale [?] (1740) by Allan Ramsay](/media/artworks/images-thumb/19/3f/193f9fa45ff2c99e858cb489c5dffa34.jpg)
The four subjects that return most often among these masterpieces, with the finest example of each.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Allan Ramsay | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Scottish National Portrait Gallery |
Edinburgh | 16 | Lady Frances Wemyss, Lady Steuart Denham, 1722 - 1789, Robert Craigie (1685–1766), Lord Craigie, Lord Advocate, Archibald Campbell (1682–1761), 3rd Duke of Argyll, Statesman |
 Royal Collection |
London | 8 | Queen Charlotte with her Two Children, Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), with her Two Eldest Sons, Augusta, Princess of Wales (1719-72) |
 Scottish National Gallery |
Edinburgh | 14 | Elizabeth Cunyngham, Mrs Daniel Cunyngham, Anne Cockburn (d.1772), Lady Inglis, Mary Degg, Lady Robert Manners (1737 - 1829) |
 Yale Center for British Art |
New Haven | 5 | Henry Bellenden, Alexander Boswell, Lord Auchinleck, Mary Adam |
 The National Trust For Scotland |
Edinburgh | 9 | Janet, Daughter of the Honourable Sir David Dalrymple, Bt, Lady Christian Dalrymple, Sir James Dalrymple, Bt, MP, Auditor of the Exchequer |
 The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery |
Glasgow | 4 | Francis Hutcheson (1694-1746), Francis Hutcheson (1694-1746), Lady Anne Campbell (1720–1785), Countess of Strafford |
 The Holburne Museum |
Bath | 3 | John Sargent the Elder (1690–1762), John Sargent the Younger (1714–1791), Rosamund Sargent, née Chambers (1722–1792) |
 National Portrait Gallery |
London | 5 | Allan Ramsay, Richard Mead |
The portrait presents a man in a three-quarter length pose, positioned centrally against a dark, atmospheric background. He is oriented slightly toward his left, facing the viewer with…
The oil on canvas work titled Mrs. Lindesay of Eaglescarnie was executed by the artist Allan Ramsay in 1750. This portrait depicts a subject also identified as Madame…
To stand before this portrait is to encounter the quiet authority of Queen Charlotte. Painted in 1762, the work captures the Queen in a moment of formal repose,…
Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) (1762), Buckingham Palace, London. Next come King George III (1761) and George III (1738–1820) (1764).
49 years old: Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) dates from 1762 and Allan Ramsay was born in 1713.
Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), King George III, George III (1738–1820), Emily (1731–1814), Marchioness of Kildare, Portrait of a Gentleman, Mrs. Lindesay of Eaglescarnie, Henry Bellenden, Richard Grenville, 2nd Earl Temple, Alexander Boswell, Lord Auchinleck and Portrait Of Sir William Pulteney, Earl Of Bath. The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.
Our catalogue lists 223 works by Allan Ramsay, dated from 1732 to 1784.
Most of them are in Scottish National Portrait Gallery (Edinburgh), Royal Collection (London) and Scottish National Gallery (Edinburgh). The table above lists the museums one by one.
In 1740s: 55 of the 100 works on this page date from then, among them Portrait of a Gentleman.
The earliest on this page is Alexander Home of Jardinfield (1732), the latest Valentine Morris (1727-1789), Governor of Saint Vincent (1784).
18th century (23), Portrait (16) and Woman (12), among the 100 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas: 32 of the 100 works on this page.
Rococo, as the paintings on this page show.
Lady Frances Wemyss, Lady Steuart Denham, 1722 - 1789, Robert Craigie (1685–1766), Lord Craigie, Lord Advocate and Archibald Campbell (1682–1761), 3rd Duke of Argyll, Statesman are among the 8 works on this page held by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.
Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in the size you choose, from the painting's own page.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on October 13, 1713, Allan Ramsay emerged as a prominent Scottish portrait-painter whose work captured the elegance and refinement of his era. His artistic journey began at the age of twenty when he travelled to London for studies under the Swedish painter Hans Hysing, followed by instruction at the St. Martin's Lane Academy. This foundational training provided him with a solid base in technique and composition.
Ramsay’s artistic development took a significant turn with his travels to Rome and Naples, where he spent three years (1736-1738) working under the tutelage of Francesco Solimena and Imperiali (Francesco Fernandi). These Italian masters profoundly influenced his style, fostering a greater understanding of classical principles and enhancing his skills in capturing likeness and character. He absorbed the prevailing Rococo aesthetic while also developing an appreciation for Neoclassical ideals.
Upon returning to Britain in 1738, Ramsay quickly established a successful career as a portraitist. His ability to portray his subjects with both accuracy and grace soon garnered him a distinguished clientele. Some of his most notable works include:
A pivotal moment in Ramsay’s career arrived in 1761 with his appointment as Principal Painter in Ordinary to George III. This prestigious position cemented his status among the art elite and ensured a steady stream of commissions from the royal family and high society. He became *the* portraitist of the Georgian era.
Ramsay’s later life saw a shift towards literary pursuits, reflecting his broad intellectual interests. However, personal tragedies – an accidental dislocation of his right arm and the passing of his second wife in 1782 – impacted his health and productivity. He died in 1784.
Despite these challenges, Ramsay left behind a lasting legacy as one of Scotland’s most celebrated portrait painters. As Samuel Johnson noted, “I love Ramsay. You will not find a man in whose conversation there is more instruction, more information, and more elegance, than in Ramsay's.” His works continue to be admired for their technical skill, refined aesthetic, and insightful portrayals of 18th-century society.
Allan Ramsay’s contribution extends beyond his artistic talent. He played a crucial role in shaping the visual culture of Scotland during a period of significant social and political change. His portraits provide valuable insights into the lives, fashions, and values of the Scottish nobility and gentry. His works can be found at locations such as Ayr Town Hall, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
