Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Daniel Macnee died in 1882; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1952.
In context
David Roberts — Daniel Macnee
The original measures 75 × 62 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 76 at death.
Painted when the artist was 58. The artist lived to 76. 28 of the 62 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Daniel Macnee (1806–1882) ▲ this work, 1864 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1853 Main working years: 1853–1871 Late works: from 1871
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/similar/daniel-macnee-david-roberts-AQUCYP-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Gray #7c6659
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 66.3% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 108 works by this artist, of which 31 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
David Roberts — Daniel Macnee
The painting David Roberts by Daniel Macnee is a stunning example of Victorian era art, showcasing the artist's exceptional skill in capturing the essence of his subject. Created in 1864, this oil on canvas portrait measures 75 x 62 cm and is currently housed at the Royal Academy of Arts in the United Kingdom.
Daniel Macnee was a renowned Scottish artist known for his portraits, which often featured prominent figures of his time. David Roberts, the subject of this painting, was a celebrated British artist who traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East, capturing the beauty of these regions through his art. The portrait of David Roberts by Daniel Macnee is a testament to the respect and admiration that existed between these two artistic giants. Key Features of the Painting
The subject's attire, including a suit and bow tie, reflects the fashion of the Victorian era.
The stern expression on David Roberts' face adds a sense of depth and character to the portrait.
The use of oil on canvas allows for a level of detail and texture that brings the subject to life.
For art enthusiasts interested in exploring more works by Daniel Macnee and David Roberts, AllPaintingsStore.com offers a range of handmade oil painting reproductions, including other portraits by these artists. Additionally, the Royal Academy of Arts and other museums in the United Kingdom are worth visiting to see these masterpieces in person.
The David Roberts portrait by Daniel Macnee is not only a beautiful work of art but also a window into the lives of two prominent figures of the Victorian era. Through this painting, we gain insight into the culture, fashion, and artistic values of the time, making it a valuable piece for both art lovers and historians alike.
Artist and museum
Daniel Macnee (1806 – 1882) stands as a pivotal figure in Scottish art history, recognized primarily for his evocative depictions of the Highlands and his contribution to establishing the Royal Scottish Academy. Born into a prominent London family, Macnee’s artistic journey began amidst considerable privilege but swiftly found its focus on capturing the rugged beauty and spirit of Scotland – a fascination that would define his oeuvre.
Early Life & Education: Macnee received an excellent education at Eton College and subsequently pursued studies at Christ's Hospital, honing his artistic skills before embarking on a distinguished naval career. This formative experience instilled in him discipline and observation—qualities that would prove invaluable to his painting practice.
The Highland Influence: Macnee’s artistic sensibilities were profoundly shaped by the landscapes of Scotland, particularly the Cairngorms National Park where he resided for extended periods. He meticulously studied topographical drawings and sketches, striving to accurately represent the dramatic vistas and subtle tonal variations characteristic of these mountainous regions.
Royal Scottish Academy Membership & Leadership: Macnee’s dedication to artistic excellence culminated in his election to the Royal Scottish Academy in 1837—a prestigious honor that cemented his position as a leading voice within Scotland's artistic community. He served as President from 1869 until his death, championing innovation and fostering a supportive environment for aspiring artists.
“A Lady in Grey” (1859): Perhaps Macnee’s most celebrated work is “A Lady in Grey,” a portrait of his daughter, later Mrs Wiseman. Executed with remarkable realism and sensitivity, the painting exemplifies Macnee's mastery of tonal gradation—a technique he skillfully employed to convey mood and texture. The muted palette reflects the prevailing artistic trends of the era while simultaneously capturing the quiet dignity of his subject.
Highland Scenes: Beyond portraiture, Macnee produced numerous landscapes that showcase his acute understanding of light and color. His canvases depict dramatic mountain ranges bathed in golden sunlight, conveying a palpable sense of grandeur and tranquility. He achieved this effect through meticulous observation and careful brushwork—characteristics that distinguish his work from more generalized depictions of the Highlands.
Technique & Influences: Macnee’s artistic style drew inspiration from luminism—a movement emphasizing atmospheric effects and subtle tonal variations—and he skillfully adopted techniques pioneered by artists like George Caleb Bingham and Frederic Church. His meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of his subjects ensured that his paintings would endure as timeless expressions of Scottish landscape and portraiture.
Daniel Macnee’s contribution to Scottish art extends beyond individual masterpieces; he played a crucial role in establishing the Royal Scottish Academy, fostering artistic discourse and promoting excellence within Scotland's visual arts landscape. His paintings continue to resonate with viewers today, serving as reminders of a bygone era characterized by Romantic idealism and an unwavering appreciation for the sublime beauty of nature. Macnee’s legacy resides not only in his artistic achievements but also in his enduring influence on subsequent generations of Scottish artists.
allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/download/daniel-macnee-david-roberts-AQUCYP-en/
Look closely
David Roberts — Daniel Macnee
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The X-Ray view of "David Roberts" by Daniel Macnee is on the artwork's X-Ray page: an interactive examination of the image through eleven optical layers.
A print of "David Roberts" by Daniel Macnee can be ordered directly on its Fine Art Print page: a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper.
"David Roberts" dates from 1864. The date places the work within Daniel Macnee's career and its era.