Archibald Skirving

1749 - 1819

Artist. Born at Athelstaneford (East Lothian), Skirving became a noted portraitist and noted pastel artist. He travelled to Italy between 1787-94 to develop his skills, but returned to Edinburgh in 1795 recording the famous and not-so-famous. His many works include Robert Burns (1759-96) and Robert Dundas of Arniston. He is less well-known than his rival Sir Henry Raeburn (1756 - 1823), who painted Skirving's portrait around 1810.

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