James Skene Of Rubislaw Paintings

James Skene of Rubislaw was a Scottish lawyer, amateur artist, and friend of literary figure Sir Walter Scott. Born into a well-established Aberdeenshire family, Skene developed a keen interest in art and became known for his sketches and watercolors, particularly those depicting Scottish landscapes.

Skene was educated at the University of Edinburgh and became an advocate in 1797. Despite his legal profession, he is most remembered for his artistic pursuits and his close association with Sir Walter Scott. Skene's sketches served Scott as visual references for descriptions of Scottish landscapes in his literary works, and the two shared a mutual passion for the romanticism of Scotland's history and scenery.

In addition to his landscape works, Skene produced a significant body of sketches and illustrations during his travels in Europe, particularly in Greece, where he visited in the early 19th century. His works from Greece are of particular historical value as they depict many classical sites before later damages.

Skene's legacy also includes his contributions as a draughtsman to the 'Provincial Antiquities and Picturesque Scenery of Scotland', published between 1819 and 1826. Though not a professional artist, Skene's work was highly regarded for its topographical accuracy and artistic merit.

James Skene of Rubislaw died in 1864, and his works remain an important record of Scottish and European landscapes of his time. They continue to be of interest for both their historical and artistic value, providing insight into the visual culture and landscape appreciation of the Romantic era in Britain.