Robert Brown of Newhall 1792

Henry Raeburn painted ‘Robert Brown of Newhall’ using oil on canvas. The surface texture is smooth, almost polished, achieved through layering and blending. Think about the labor involved in preparing the canvas, grinding pigments, and mixing paints. These processes, though largely invisible to us, were essential to the final product. Raeburn would have employed a specific brushwork technique, likely building up thin glazes of color to create depth and luminosity. The deep blacks and subtle grays of Brown’s clothing required careful manipulation of pigments, while the delicate rendering of his face suggests a mastery of blending and detail. Look closely and you’ll notice the subtle highlights that bring his features to life. Understanding the materials and processes used by Raeburn allows us to appreciate the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating this portrait. It also reminds us of the social context in which art was made, where the labor of the artist and the value of the materials were closely intertwined with notions of status and wealth.