Alexander H. M. Belshes

A significant portrait of Scotsman Alexander Hepburn Murray Belshes of Invermay and Balmanna Castle in Perthshire fashionably attired in a black double-breasted coat with a high rolled collar over a white waistcoat and deep stock.

Alexander (1778-1864) was the eldest son and heir of Colonel John Belshes of Invermay and his heiress wife, Mary Hepburn Murray of Balmanna Castle. It was at this time that the family assumed the names Hepburn Murray. Alexander was an officer in the Perthshire Volunteers and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Perthshire in 1819. He did not marry and upon his death the estates and titles passed to his cousin.

The portrait is housed in the original 14 carat gold frame with an engraved scroll on the bottom edge. The frame is glazed on the reverse to reveal a blue glass surround and an aperture of plaited hair. Fine condition.

Nathaniel Plimer (1757-1822) was the eldest son of a Shropshire clockmaker, a trade he and his brother, Andrew, were expected to assume to but, lacking the aptitude for it, the two boys chose to run away, reaching London in 1781 where Nathaniel worked for enamellist Henry Bone and was fortunate to be given painting lessons by Richard Cosway. He exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1787 and 1815. Only his very early works were signed.