John Russell, 1. Earl Russell von Sir Francis Grant

Francis Grant (1803-1878) was a prominent Scottish portrait painter, known for his skilful depictions of high society figures and members of the British aristocracy during the Victorian era. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and showed an early talent for art. Grant studied at the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh and later at the Royal Academy Schools in London. Grant gained recognition for his portraits, which were characterised by a vivid and detailed rendering of his subjects. He was particularly adept at capturing the personalities and nuances of his sitters, often depicting them in elegant and refined settings. Throughout his career, Grant received numerous commissions from notable figures, including Queen Victoria, who appointed him her Principal Painter in Ordinary in 1841. This prestigious position cemented Grant's reputation as one of the leading portrait painters of his day. In addition to his portraits, Grant also painted historical and genre scenes, although he is best remembered for his contributions to portraiture. His work is held in several public collections and galleries, including the National Portrait Gallery in London. Francis Grant's legacy lives on in his art, which continues to be admired for its technical skill and insight into the social milieu of Victorian Britain.