Lady Dalrymple 

Editor: So, here we have Henry Raeburn's portrait of Lady Dalrymple. It's a lovely, if somewhat reserved, painting. What do you find most striking about it? Curator: For me, it's all in the gaze, that direct, unwavering look. It feels very modern, almost challenging, wouldn't you say? Raeburn had a knack for capturing a certain Scottish sensibility, a kind of intelligent self-possession. Editor: I see what you mean. It's not the typical, idealized portrait. Curator: Not at all! There's a realness here, a sense of the individual, which is refreshing. The simple colour palette, and the almost theatrical lighting, draws you into her space doesn’t it? Editor: Definitely makes you consider the sitter as a person, not just a subject. Curator: Exactly. And that’s the magic, isn’t it? How art helps us to really see each other.