John Singer Sargent
Born Italy (of American parents), 1856-1925
Portrait of William Brownlee, 1902
Oil on canvas
A Presentation Portrait
Museum Number 94-1912
You were really someone if you were painted by Sargent. Inspired by the fluid brushworks of Hals and Velasquez, he created his signature swagger portrait and captured the confidence of Edwardian society.
Brownlee, a local builder and former Provost of Dundee (1878-81), exudes calm authority and success