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Norman Macbeth Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Norman Macbeth our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Norman Macbeth · 1821 – 1888

William Forrest (1805–1889), HRSA

Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture, Edinburgh · original 62 x 52 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24152 × 62 cm Commission at original size

Sir John Steell (1804–1891), RSA

1877 · Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture, Edinburgh · original 76 x 64 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28964 × 76 cm Commission at original size

James Blackadder

The Merchant's Hall, Edinburgh · original 127 x 101 cm

Norman Macbeth’s "James Blackadder" – a striking 1880s oil portrait of an elderly gentleman. Realistic style, dramatic lighting & geometric shapes. A fine example of academic realism.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$521101 × 127 cm Commission at original size

William Ferguson of Kinmundy (1823–1904)

1885 · Mintlaw Discovery Centre, Peterhead · original 127 x 102 cm

Norman Macbeth’s ‘William Ferguson of Kinmundy’ (1885) is a striking Victorian portrait – rich textures, dramatic lighting & symbolic depth. Explore this oil painting's legacy!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$525102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Sir James Young Simpson (1811–1870)

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Edinburgh · original 206 x 137 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$967137 × 206 cm Commission at original size

Sir David Brewster (1781–1868), FRSE

1869 · The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Edinburgh · original 141 x 111 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$603111 × 141 cm Commission at original size

Josiah Livingston

1878 · The Merchant's Hall, Edinburgh · original 128 x 103 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$532103 × 128 cm Commission at original size

Sir James Young Simpson (1811–1870)

Nhs Lothian, Edinburgh · original 120 x 70 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$39370 × 120 cm Commission at original size

Reverend Andrew Thomson (1842–1901), DD

1878 · National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh · original 127 x 102 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$525102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

William Forrest (1805–1889), ARA

original 77 x 64 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29164 × 77 cm Commission at original size

Sir James Colquhoun (1844–1907), 27th Bt of Colquhoun, 29th of Luss (1873–1907)

1882 · Helensburgh Council Chamber, Helensburgh · original 207 x 141 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$995141 × 207 cm Commission at original size

William Denny (1847–1887)

1888 · original 127 x 102 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$525102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

John Walker (d.1866), Sugar Refiner

1866 · original 113 x 89 cm

Norman Macbeth’s 1866 portrait of John Walker, a sugar refiner, showcases realistic detail & formal style. Explore this captivating Victorian-era oil painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$44189 × 113 cm Commission at original size

Richard Parnell, Doctor of Medicine and Natural Historian

original 127 x 102 cm

Norman Macbeth’s portrait of Richard Parnell, a physician & naturalist, showcases realism & scholarly pursuits. Oil on canvas, warm tones, & detailed textures evoke wisdom & time.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$525102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Doctor Arthur Mitchell

original 149 x 122 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$677122 × 149 cm Commission at original size

Mrs Adam Primrose

1871 · original 77 x 64 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29164 × 77 cm Commission at original size

George Thompson of Partick

original 127 x 102 cm

Norman Macbeth’s "George Thompson of Partick" – a striking 19th-century oil portrait. Explore this realistic & romantic piece, showcasing depth & dramatic lighting. A timeless work of art.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$525102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Alex Keiller of Dundee (1821–1877)

1879 · original 126 x 100 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$515100 × 126 cm Commission at original size

John Macfarlan (1815–1891), Minister of the Free Middle Church of Greenock

1880 · original 133 x 104 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$551104 × 133 cm Commission at original size

John McMillan

original 88 x 75 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34075 × 88 cm Commission at original size

Patrick Fairbairn (1805–1874), DD

1871 · original 239 x 148 cm

Norman Macbeth’s 1871 portrait of Patrick Fairbairn, a clergyman, showcases stern expression & knowledge via a book. Damaged canvas adds intrigue to this traditional oil painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17525 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1173148 × 239 cm Commission at original size

A Somerset Farm

1887 · original 66 x 102 cm

Norman Macbeth’s ‘A Somerset Farm’ (1887) captures rural life in a stunning oil painting. Explore this Realist/Impressionist work – balanced composition, earthy tones & textural detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20039 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$369102 × 66 cm Commission at original size

Reverend William Lindsay Alexander (1808–1884), Theologian

1875 · original 127 x 103 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$529103 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Robert Steele (1791–1879)

1877 · original 127 x 102 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$525102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Hugh Miller (1812–1879)

original 125 x 100 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 33 artworks by Norman Macbeth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$512100 × 125 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Norman Macbeth

1821 – 1888

Quick facts

Color intensitymonochromatic
Top 3 worksWilliam Forrest (1805–1889), HRSA, Sir John Steell (1804–1891), RSA, James Blackadder
Lifespan67 years
Copyright statusPublic domain
Museums on APSRoyal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture, The Merchant's Hall, Nhs Lothian, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Mintlaw Discovery Centre
Born1821, Greenock, United Kingdom
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Creative periodsmature period

Biography

The Legacy of Norman Macbeth: A Master of Victorian Realism

In the vibrant tapestry of nineteenth-century British art, few threads are as finely woven as those belonging to Norman Macbeth. Born in 1821 in the coastal town of Greenock, Macbeth was a man whose very identity was steeped in an artistic lineage. As the grandson of the celebrated portrait painter Norman Macbeth and the son of James Macbeth, his life was not merely a pursuit of art, but a continuation of a profound familial devotion to the canvas. This heritage provided him with a foundational reverence for the craft, yet it was his own rigorous journey—stretching from the technical precision of an engraver’s apprenticeship in Glasgow to the hallowed halls of the Royal Academy Schools in London—that allowed him to forge a singular voice within the Glasgow School.

Macbeth’s artistic evolution was marked by a sophisticated balance between the established traditions of his era and the burgeoning modernism that began to ripple through Europe. While his training anchored him firmly in the principles of academic realism, he possessed an intellectual curiosity that prevented his work from becoming stagnant. He moved through the great art capitals of the age, studying the masterworks within the National Gallery in London and finding inspiration amidst the transformative atmosphere of Paris, where he worked within the Louvre. This exposure to Continental influences allowed him to infuse his portraits with a subtle touch of Impressionism and the delicate aesthetic sensibilities of Japonisme, creating works that felt both timelessly classical and strikingly contemporary for the Victorian period.

Technique, Texture, and the Art of the Portrait

To observe a Macbeth portrait is to witness a masterclass in controlled observation. His technique was defined by an unwavering commitment to meticulous realism, where every fold of heavy silk, every glint of light on a brass button, and every nuanced expression of his subjects was rendered with painstaking care. He possessed a rare ability to capture the psychological depth of his sitters, moving beyond mere physical likeness to evoke the very essence of their character. Whether depicting the esteemed Sir John Steell RSA or the quiet dignity of an elderly gentleman like James Blackadder, Macbeth utilized subtle tonal gradations and a rich, earthy palette to create a sense of palpable atmosphere and three-dimensional depth.

His mastery extended beyond the human face into the realm of landscape and still life, where his brushwork could shift from the precise to the more textured and expressive. In works such as A Somerset Farm, one can see how he embraced a more painterly approach, using light and shadow to breathe life into rural scenes. This versatility—the ability to pivot from the formal rigidity of a high-society portrait to the atmospheric softness of a pastoral landscape—is what truly distinguishes his oeuvre. His canvases serve as windows into a bygone era, preserved through a technique that honors the weight of history while celebrating the fleeting beauty of light.

A Lasting Impression on Art History

The historical significance of Norman Macbeth lies in his role as a bridge between generations. He stood at the crossroads of the old world and the new, maintaining the dignity of the Royal Scottish Academy’s traditions while welcoming the experimental spirit of the late nineteenth century. His influence was not limited to his own brush; he left behind a family of artists, including his sons Robert Walker Macbeth and Henry Macbeth-Raeburn, who would continue to shape the landscape of Scottish painting well into the twentieth century.

Though he passed away in London in 1888, the impact of his work remains etched in the annals of British art history. His portraits remain vital documents of Victorian society, capturing the luminaries and the everyday figures of his time with an intimacy that transcends the decades. Through his dedication to the truth of the subject and his ability to harmonize classical precision with modern nuance, Norman Macbeth ensured that his name would forever be synonymous with the enduring elegance of Victorian Portraiture.

Questions & Answers

How did Norman Macbeth's art evolve over time?

Norman Macbeth's career unfolds period by period on the artist's Chronicle page: a horizontal timeline of the artworks, grouped into career-period chapters.

Can I explore Norman Macbeth's works by color spectrum?

Norman Macbeth's works can be explored by color on the artist's Spectral Index page.

Can I explore Norman Macbeth's works by subject?

The Subject Atlas page maps Norman Macbeth's artworks by subject.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 21, 2026

Collector's quiz

Norman Macbeth was born in what city?
What artistic movement did Norman Macbeth associate with?
Norman Macbeth was elected RSA in what year?
Norman Macbeth’s portrait of John Walker featured what distinctive style?
Which institution did Norman Macbeth serve as trustee for?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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All artworks by Norman Macbeth