Anne Forbes facts for kids
Anne Forbes (1745–1834) was a talented Scottish artist. She was known for painting portraits of people. Anne studied art in Rome, Italy. Later, she worked as an artist in London and then in Edinburgh, Scotland. In Edinburgh, she became the Portrait Painter for the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Even though she faced challenges, Anne was one of the first Scottish women to become a professional painter. She is remembered for her efforts to succeed despite gender prejudice.
Her Early Life and Art Career
Anne Forbes was the granddaughter of a famous portrait painter named William Aikman. She learned how to paint in Italy. Her teachers included Scottish artists like Gavin Hamilton and James Nevay.
After her studies, Anne returned to Britain. She started her own art business in London. However, it was a difficult time for her. She found it hard to paint quickly enough for all her clients. She also became ill. Because of these problems, she eventually moved back to Scotland.
In 1788, Anne received an important job. She was named the Portrait Painter to the Society of Antiquaries in Edinburgh. This role, along with teaching art, allowed her to earn a living. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery has a painting of Anne Forbes by David Allan.
What She Painted
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Anne Forbes created many portraits. Her painting of Lady Anne Stewart is kept at the National Galleries of Scotland. The National Portrait Gallery in London has a print made from her portrait of Alexander Hume, Lord Polwarth. This type of print is called a mezzotint.
Other paintings by Anne Forbes can be found in Dumfries House. This historic house is in Cumnock, East Ayrshire. These paintings include portraits of Lady Elizabeth Penelope Crichton and Countess Margaret. Countess Margaret was the wife of the 6th Earl of Dumfries.
