Gordon, John Watson, Sir, PPRSA RA RSA
1788 – 1864
Sir John Watson Gordon was the son of Admiral James Watson who was related to Sir Walter Scott and was the nephew of the first President of the RSA George Watson. He added the suffix "Gordon" to his name as a means of differentiating himself from his famous uncle. He was initially trained for the Royal Engineers but decided upon a career as an artist. He studied at the Trustees Academy under John Graham and received advice from his uncle George Watson and Sir Henry Raeburn. From early in his career he specialised in portraiture initially very much influenced stylistically by Raeburn. Although he painted some women he concentrated predominantly upon male sitters. In 1850 he became the third President of the RSA and was also appointed Her Majesty's Limner for Scotland and was knighted in this year. He exhibited at the RSA from 1830 until 1864. He became a Royal Scottish Academcian in 1829. He was elected ARA 91841-11-010 and RA (1851-02-10).
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