David Martin (1737-1797)
David Martin was a major Scottish portrait painter of the 18th
century who captured on paint a number of the most important men
of his age.
He was born in Anstruther, Fife, Scotland
on the 1st of April 1737, the son of a local schoolmaster and
came to the attention of Allan Ramsay, the great Scottish portrait
painter of his day. Martin joined Ramsay on the 'Grand Tour' in
Italy in 1756
Martin worked closely with Ramsay at first but developed his
own style. His most acclaimed portrait was of the Statesman and
scientist, Benjamin Franklin (1767). Please click
on thumbnail image to see a full picture.
A number of other notable portraits included William Murray,
1st Earl of Mansfield and Lady Frances Chateris. He was able to
experiment with different stylistic influences and to adapt these
to the individual sitter.
During the 1770's, Martin lived and worked in London and held
a number of offices with the Society of Artists. He returned to
Edinburgh a widower in the late 1770's and established a thriving
Business. He died on the 30th December 1797 and was buried in
the Parish of Leith South
Where to Spot a Martin
Thanks to Lucy Dixon and the White House Historical
Association for their help with this Web Page
The Kilrenny and Anstruther Burgh
Collection can be contacted by e-mailing us at anstruther.collection@virgin.net
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