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The sitter of this portrait, depicted half length, wearing armour, with a statue of Minerva beyond, is James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose (1612-1650). He was a military commander of outstanding ability and one of the most romantic figures in seventeenth century Scottish history
The figure fills the canvas, lending a sense of immediacy and presence to the picture. In the upper left the statue of Minerva is balanced in the upper right by his helmet, symbolising the complementary qualities of wisdom and martial strength appropriate to the sitter's status as a military commander.
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