Regency Miniature Portrait Of Lady Scott (Alicia Anne Spottiswoode)

Regency Miniature Portrait of Lady Scott (Alicia Anne Spottiswoode), c.1827
Circle of William Douglas, RSA (1780–1832), Edinburgh
Subject and Medium
This finely executed portrait miniature depicts Lady Scott (Alicia Anne Spottiswoode, 1810–1900), later the wife of Sir William Scott of Ancrum, 6th Baronet. Painted around 1827, when she was about 17 years old, Alicia Anne is shown wearing a gown of soft cream and pale rose, trimmed with delicate ruffles and draped in an ermine-trimmed cloak. Pearls adorn her hair, encircle her neck, and rest as a pendant on her breast — unmistakable signs of her aristocratic status.
Executed in watercolour with gouache highlights on panel, the portrait balances subtle modelling with luminous finish: porcelain-like flesh tones, sharp detailing of jewels and fabrics, and a serene atmosphere characteristic of the Edinburgh school.
Composition and Technique
Lady Scott is presented three-quarter facing, her gaze calm and direct, against a bluish-green ground that enhances her complexion and attire.
Skin tones: Warm peach and rose washes, delicately stippled.
Hair: Chestnut brown with golden highlights, styled in ringlets threaded with pearls.
Jewellery: Pearls heightened with bodycolour; gold clasp finely suggested.
Cloak: Cream and grey tones give texture to the ermine, contrasting with the gown.
Background: A soft blue-green wash adds depth and luminosity, typical of 1820s Edinburgh miniature portraiture.
The interplay of soft pastels and crisp highlights exemplifies the refined artistry of leading professional miniaturists of the period.
About the Sitter
Alicia Anne Spottiswoode (1810–1900) was born into the prominent Spottiswoode family of Berwickshire, Scotland. In 1836 she married Sir William Scott, 6th Baronet of Ancrum, becoming Lady Scott of Ancrum.
Renowned for her musical talent, she published numerous songs and ballads inspired by Scottish tradition, which were widely performed in Victorian society. Her reputation as a composer and cultural patron placed her at the heart of 19th-century Scottish artistic life.
Through her marriage and family connections, Lady Scott was linked to the Scott family of Abbotsford, descendants of Sir Walter Scott. Her long life of ninety years bridged the Regency, early Victorian, and late 19th-century worlds. Portraits of her youth, such as this, preserve the image of a woman destined for distinction.
The Artist
Attribution: Circle of William Douglas, RSA (1780–1832).
Douglas was Edinburgh’s leading miniature painter in the early 19th century, appointed Miniature Painter in Scotland to Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold in 1817. Celebrated for his “tasteful and delicate execution,” he painted members of many prominent Scottish families.
This miniature bears strong affinities with his work of the 1820s: the blue-green background, jewel highlights in bodycolour, and the porcelain-like modelling of features. These qualities, combined with the sitter’s provenance and dating, point to Douglas or his immediate circle.
Signature and Presentation
Unsigned, as was common for miniatures of this type. The sitter’s identity is secured by a period inscription on the reverse: “Lady Scott.”
Contained in its original gilt-metal oval frame with suspension loop, the miniature retains its period authenticity. The reverse shows early marbled paper backing with the sitter’s name inscribed in a contemporary hand.
Dimensions (framed):
Height (with loop): c. 11.5 cm
Width: 7.6 cm
Depth: 0.6 cm
Provenance
Acquired through a respected Northern Shire dealer; later catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd. The reverse inscription confirms the sitter’s identity and aligns with known likenesses and family history.
Why Collect This Portrait
A likeness of historical significance, portraying an aristocrat, composer, and cultural patron.
Likely connected to William Douglas, RSA, Scotland’s foremost miniaturist of the Regency.
Harmonious palette of creams, rose, chestnut, and soft green-blue.
Preserved in its original gilt-metal frame with period inscription.
A rare survival of Scottish Regency miniature portraiture with excellent provenance.
Condition
Good antique condition. Colours remain fresh and stable. Light wear consistent with age. The gilt frame retains natural patina with minor warping.
Shipping
Worldwide delivery available. Professionally packaged and fully insured.
Add this refined Regency portrait miniature to your collection today.