Portrait of Daniel Macnee

Your Guide to the 100 Most Famous Daniel Macnee Paintings

Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 114 works by Daniel Macnee in our catalogue

In short

Daniel Macnee's best-known piece is Alexander Morrison of Ballinakill (1786–1860), Dean of Faculty (1846–1860) (1859). You'll find it at the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow. Next on the list are David Crawford (1790–1861), Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire and Baron Baillie of Greenock (1856) and Archibald McNeill, Principal Clerk of Session (1858–1870) (1860). We have 114 works by Daniel Macnee in our catalogue; this guide picks out the 100 best known, with the year, the museum and the story of each piece.

1806 – 1882, Fintry Academic realism Most works: Scottish National Gallery

The 10 Daniel Macnee paintings to know first

1
Alexander Morrison of Ballinakill (1786–1860), Dean of Faculty (1846–1860) (1859) by Daniel Macnee

Alexander Morrison of Ballinakill (1786–1860), Dean of Faculty (1846–1860)

1859 · Oil · Royal Faculty of Procurators, Glasgow

Alexander Morrison sits in a stillness that suggests the heavy silence of a courtroom. He is a man defined by the gravity of his position, the Dean of Faculty, captured in a moment of repose that feels more like a pause in thought than a moment of rest. His legs are crossed, a posture of quiet authority, while his suit and tie anchor him to the formal expectations of his…

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2
David Crawford (1790–1861), Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire and Baron Baillie of Greenock (1856) by Daniel Macnee

David Crawford (1790–1861), Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire and Baron Baillie of Greenock

1856 · Oil On Canvas

An elderly gentleman sits anchored in a heavy, upholstered armchair. The light falls upon his face with a quiet, dramatic weight, carving out the lines of a life lived in authority. He is David Crawford, a man whose presence is defined by the stillness of his pose and the dark, indistinct space that surrounds him. The shadows cling to the folds of his clothing and the deep recesses of the…

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3
Archibald McNeill, Principal Clerk of Session (1858–1870) (1860) by Daniel Macnee

Archibald McNeill, Principal Clerk of Session (1858–1870)

1860 · Oil On Canvas · Scottish Courts And Tribunals Service, Edinburgh

In this 1860 portrait, we find ourselves in the quiet, shadowed presence of Archibald McNeill. Seated in a formal armchair, the subject is presented with a gravity that reflects his significant position as Principal Clerk of Session. The composition is centered and deliberate, drawing the eye immediately to the man’s face and the steady gaze he holds. There is a certain stillness here, a sense of a life defined by…

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4
Horatio McCulloch (1805–1867) (1858) by Daniel Macnee

Horatio McCulloch (1805–1867)

1858 · Oil On Canvas · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

In this 1858 portrait, we find ourselves in the presence of Horatio McCulloch, captured during a period of significant professional development. The subject is presented in a bust-length composition, his gaze directed slightly away from the viewer, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation. There is a certain gravity in his expression, a seriousness that speaks to the dignity of a man deeply immersed in his own thoughts. The lighting is…

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5
A Lady in Grey (The Artist's Daughter, Later Mrs Wiseman) (1859) by Daniel Macnee

A Lady in Grey (The Artist's Daughter, Later Mrs Wiseman)

1859 · Oil On Canvas · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

A Lady in Grey (The Artist's Daughter, Later Mrs Wiseman) is a portrait painted by Daniel Macnee in 1859. The subject of this work is the artist's daughter, Isabella Wiseman, who is identified in the title as the woman who later became Mrs Wiseman. The oil painting is currently held in the National Gallery of Scotland.

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6
Alexander Whitelaw, 1823 - 1879. Industrialist and philanthropist (1870) by Daniel Macnee

Alexander Whitelaw, 1823 - 1879. Industrialist and philanthropist

1870 · Oil On Canvas · Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh

The gaze of Alexander Whitelaw, 1823 - 1879. Industrialist and philanthropist, meets the viewer through this formal oil portrait. He sits with a composed expression that speaks to his status and the weight of his contributions to industry and charity. Every line of his face and the set of his shoulders suggest a man of stability and purpose. The portrait captures him in a moment of quiet dignity, frozen against…

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7
Sir James Matheson (1796–1878) (1871) by Daniel Macnee

Sir James Matheson (1796–1878)

1871 · Oil On Canvas

The portrait depicts an elderly man positioned slightly off-center to the right of the frame. He is shown from the chest up, facing forward with a direct gaze. He wears a dark, formal suit jacket over a waistcoat, both rendered with sharp lines that define the structure of the fabric. The lighting originates from the upper left, casting deep shadows across the right side of his face and the folds…

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8
Rev. James Taylor, 1813 - 1892. Minister and author (1873) by Daniel Macnee

Rev. James Taylor, 1813 - 1892. Minister and author

1873 · Oil On Canvas · Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh

Rev. James Taylor, 1813 - 1892. Minister and author is an oil portrait by the Scottish painter Daniel Macnee. Executed in 1873, the work presents the subject in a scholarly or clerical setting. The sitter is positioned within an environment suggested by the presence of blurred bookshelves in the background.

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9
Professor Allen Thomson (1809–1884), FRCSEd (1832) (1878) by Daniel Macnee

Professor Allen Thomson (1809–1884), FRCSEd (1832)

1878 · Oil On Canvas · The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

The portrait depicts an elderly man seated at a desk, positioned centrally within the composition. He is shown in a formal pose, looking toward the viewer with a steady gaze. His face is marked by the textures of age, with fine lines around the eyes and skin that suggests a life of intellectual labor. He wears dark, heavy clothing that falls in deep, structured folds, catching the light to reveal…

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10
Adam Sim of Coulter Mains (1805–1868) by Daniel Macnee

Adam Sim of Coulter Mains (1805–1868)

In this portrait, we find ourselves in the presence of Adam Sim, a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the history of Coulter Mains. He sits with a composed, thoughtful air, his hands resting upon a book that suggests a life of intellect and quiet study. The composition is anchored by the weight of his presence, seated within a red velvet chair that bears the fine, intricate carvings of…

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Numbers 11 to 100: more Daniel Macnee paintings

11James Richardson of Ralston, Paisley by Daniel MacneeJames Richardson of Ralston, Paisley Make it yours from $175 →
12A Portrait Study of a Gentleman Standing in an Interior by Daniel MacneeA Portrait Study of a Gentleman Standing in an InteriorScottish National Gallery Order this piece from $175 →
13Lady Macnee and Her Daughter (Portrait of the Artist's Daughter and Granddaughter) (1863) by Daniel MacneeLady Macnee and Her Daughter (Portrait of the Artist's Daughter and Granddaughter)1863 · Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture Make it yours from $175 →
14John Wilson (1800–1849), Singer and Composer of Songs (1830) by Daniel MacneeJohn Wilson (1800–1849), Singer and Composer of Songs1830 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery Get it hand-painted from $175 →
15The Hot Blast (1840) by Daniel MacneeThe Hot Blast1840 Make it yours from $175 →
16Queen Victoria (1819–1901) (1845) by Daniel MacneeQueen Victoria (1819–1901)1845 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
17Mrs Agnes W. Whyte of Newbury (1840) by Daniel MacneeMrs Agnes W. Whyte of Newbury1840 Order this piece from $175 →
18Agnes Smith Greig (1840) by Daniel MacneeAgnes Smith Greig1840 · The Stirling Smith Art Gallery - Museum Order this piece from $175 →
19Horatio McCulloch (1805–1867), RSA (1842) by Daniel MacneeHoratio McCulloch (1805–1867), RSA1842 Order this piece from $175 →
20John Ramsay McCulloch (1840) by Daniel MacneeJohn Ramsay McCulloch1840 Make it yours from $175 →
21Reverend Thomas Chalmers (1780–1847), Preacher and Social Reformer (1843) by Daniel MacneeReverend Thomas Chalmers (1780–1847), Preacher and Social Reformer1843 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery Order this piece from $175 →
22The Bracelet (1851) by Daniel MacneeThe Bracelet1851 · Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture Order this piece from $175 →
23Reverend Dr Ralph Wardlaw (1779–1853) (1851) by Daniel MacneeReverend Dr Ralph Wardlaw (1779–1853)1851 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
24Douglas William Jerrold (1853) by Daniel MacneeDouglas William Jerrold1853 · National Portrait Gallery Get it hand-painted from $175 →
25Mrs Thomas McGuffie (1842–1908) (1850) by Daniel MacneeMrs Thomas McGuffie (1842–1908)1850 Order this piece from $175 →
26Louisa Balfour, Mrs James Mackenzie of Craigpark (1850) by Daniel MacneeLouisa Balfour, Mrs James Mackenzie of Craigpark1850 · Scottish National Gallery Make it yours from $175 →
27Henry Marshall (1775–1851), Physician and Military Hygienist (1850) by Daniel MacneeHenry Marshall (1775–1851), Physician and Military Hygienist1850 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery Get it hand-painted from $175 →
28Andrew Ure (1778–1857), MD, FRS (1849) by Daniel MacneeAndrew Ure (1778–1857), MD, FRS1849 Make it yours from $175 →
29James Watson (1787–1871), MD, President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1838–1841, 1849–1852 1857–1860) (1851) by Daniel MacneeJames Watson (1787–1871), MD, President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1838–1841, 1849–1852 1857–1860)1851 Order this piece from $175 →
30Charles Mackay (1787–1857), Actor (1854) by Daniel MacneeCharles Mackay (1787–1857), Actor1854 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery Get it hand-painted from $175 →
31Reverend Henry Cooke (1788–1868), DD (1856) by Daniel MacneeReverend Henry Cooke (1788–1868), DD1856 Make it yours from $175 →
32The Children of William Neish (1862) by Daniel MacneeThe Children of William Neish1862 Order this piece from $175 →
33Study for 'A Lady in Grey' (1859) by Daniel MacneeStudy for 'A Lady in Grey'1859 · Scottish National Gallery Make it yours from $175 →
34John Erskine, Manager of William Dunn's Machine Works, John Street, Glasgow (1859) by Daniel MacneeJohn Erskine, Manager of William Dunn's Machine Works, John Street, Glasgow1859 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
35Horatio McCulloch (1805–1867), Landscape Painter (1859) by Daniel MacneeHoratio McCulloch (1805–1867), Landscape Painter1859 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery Order this piece from $175 →
36Mrs Catherine Glen Stronach of Lindsaylands (1867) by Daniel MacneeMrs Catherine Glen Stronach of Lindsaylands1867 Make it yours from $175 →
37Alexander Stronach of Lindsaylands (1867) by Daniel MacneeAlexander Stronach of Lindsaylands1867 Order this piece from $175 →
38Portrait of a Bearded Gentleman (1865) by Daniel MacneePortrait of a Bearded Gentleman1865 Order this piece from $175 →
39Professor Robert Buchanan (1785–1873) (1866) by Daniel MacneeProfessor Robert Buchanan (1785–1873)1866 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
40Reverend Thomas Barclay (1792–1873) (1870) by Daniel MacneeReverend Thomas Barclay (1792–1873)1870 Make it yours from $175 →
41William Gibb, JP (1871) by Daniel MacneeWilliam Gibb, JP1871 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
42Hugh Cowan (1870) by Daniel MacneeHugh Cowan1870 · Ayr Town Hall Get it hand-painted from $175 →
43Lady Macnee (1870) by Daniel MacneeLady Macnee1870 Order this piece from $175 →
44Portrait of an Old Lady (1864) by Daniel MacneePortrait of an Old Lady1864 Order this piece from $175 →
45Peter Denny (1821–1895) (1868) by Daniel MacneePeter Denny (1821–1895)1868 · National Maritime Museum Get it hand-painted from $175 →
46Reverend James Begg (1808–1883), Free Church Minister (1869) by Daniel MacneeReverend James Begg (1808–1883), Free Church Minister1869 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery Get it hand-painted from $175 →
47Charles Mackay, LLD, FSA (unfinished) (1870) by Daniel MacneeCharles Mackay, LLD, FSA (unfinished)1870 Order this piece from $175 →
48Robert Home (c.1794–1867), Town Clerk (1865) by Daniel MacneeRobert Home (c.1794–1867), Town Clerk1865 · Berwick-upon-tweed Town Hall Get it hand-painted from $175 →
49Alexander Dunlop Anderson, MD, President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1852–1855) (1870) by Daniel MacneeAlexander Dunlop Anderson, MD, President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1852–1855)1870 Order this piece from $175 →
50Mrs Peter Simpson (1870) by Daniel MacneeMrs Peter Simpson1870 · County Buildings Make it yours from $175 →
51Sir James Bain (1817–1898) (1870) by Daniel MacneeSir James Bain (1817–1898)1870 · Scottish National Gallery Order this piece from $175 →
52Robert Carruthers (1799–1878) (1871) by Daniel MacneeRobert Carruthers (1799–1878)1871 Make it yours from $175 →
53My Little Dolly (1866) by Daniel MacneeMy Little Dolly1866 · The Stirling Smith Art Gallery - Museum Order this piece from $175 →
54John Hutton Balfour (1808–1884) (1878) by Daniel MacneeJohn Hutton Balfour (1808–1884)1878 Make it yours from $175 →
55Professor Andrew Buchanan (1839–1876), Regius Professor of the Theory of Physics (1872) by Daniel MacneeProfessor Andrew Buchanan (1839–1876), Regius Professor of the Theory of Physics1872 · The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery Order this piece from $175 →
56Professor Allen Thomson (1809–1884), Professor of Anatomy at the University of Glasgow (1878) by Daniel MacneeProfessor Allen Thomson (1809–1884), Professor of Anatomy at the University of Glasgow1878 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
57Bailie James Moir (1806–1880) (1877) by Daniel MacneeBailie James Moir (1806–1880)1877 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
58Robert Dalglish (1808–1880), MP (1874) by Daniel MacneeRobert Dalglish (1808–1880), MP1874 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
59Sir James Bain (1818–1898), Lord Provost of Glasgow (1874–1877) (1878) by Daniel MacneeSir James Bain (1818–1898), Lord Provost of Glasgow (1874–1877)1878 Order this piece from $175 →
60Sam Bough (1822–1878) (1878) by Daniel MacneeSam Bough (1822–1878)1878 Get it hand-painted from $175 →
61John Carrick (1819–1890), Glasgow City Architect (1877) by Daniel MacneeJohn Carrick (1819–1890), Glasgow City Architect1877 Order this piece from $175 →
62John Ramsay McCulloch by Daniel MacneeJohn Ramsay McCullochNational Portrait Gallery Order this piece from $175 →
63Charles Randolph (1809–1878), Engineer, Shipbuilder (1879) by Daniel MacneeCharles Randolph (1809–1878), Engineer, Shipbuilder1879 Make it yours from $175 →
64John Boyd Baxter (1796–1882), Procurator Fiscal of Farfarshire (1881) by Daniel MacneeJohn Boyd Baxter (1796–1882), Procurator Fiscal of Farfarshire1881 Make it yours from $175 →
65Arthur Perigal (1816–1884), Landscape Painter (1881) by Daniel MacneeArthur Perigal (1816–1884), Landscape Painter1881 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery Get it hand-painted from $175 →
66John Gibson Fleming (1809–1879), President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1865–1868, 1870–1872) (1880) by Daniel MacneeJohn Gibson Fleming (1809–1879), President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1865–1868, 1870–1872)1880 Order this piece from $175 →
67Burns and his Highland Mary by Daniel MacneeBurns and his Highland MaryScottish National Gallery Get it hand-painted from $200 →
68A Portrait Study of a Gentleman Seated in an Interior by Daniel MacneeA Portrait Study of a Gentleman Seated in an InteriorScottish National Gallery Get it hand-painted from $175 →
69Professor W. Mackenzie by Daniel MacneeProfessor W. Mackenzie Get it hand-painted from $175 →
70Samuel Hunter (1769–1839), Editor of the 'Glasgow Herald' by Daniel MacneeSamuel Hunter (1769–1839), Editor of the 'Glasgow Herald' Get it hand-painted from $175 →
71The Sisters (1868) by Daniel MacneeThe Sisters1868 Make it yours from $175 →
72Portrait of a Girl by Daniel MacneePortrait of a Girl Order this piece from $175 →
73Sir William Jackson (1805–1876), Bt, Member of Parliament for North Derbyshire by Daniel MacneeSir William Jackson (1805–1876), Bt, Member of Parliament for North Derbyshire Make it yours from $175 →
74James White, Esq., of Overtoun by Daniel MacneeJames White, Esq., of Overtoun Order this piece from $175 →
75Burns and 'Highland Mary' by Daniel MacneeBurns and 'Highland Mary' Make it yours from $175 →
76Reverend Dr William Anderson (1799–1873) by Daniel MacneeReverend Dr William Anderson (1799–1873) Make it yours from $175 →
77William Murray of Monkland, FRSE by Daniel MacneeWilliam Murray of Monkland, FRSE Make it yours from $175 →
78William Mathieson by Daniel MacneeWilliam Mathieson Get it hand-painted from $175 →
79John Aitchison (1769–1859) by Daniel MacneeJohn Aitchison (1769–1859) Make it yours from $175 →
80Clarkson Stanfield (1793–1867), HRSA, RA by Daniel MacneeClarkson Stanfield (1793–1867), HRSA, RARoyal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture Order this piece from $175 →
81Thomas Coats (1809–1883) by Daniel MacneeThomas Coats (1809–1883) Get it hand-painted from $175 →
82James Donaldson, Builder by Daniel MacneeJames Donaldson, Builder Order this piece from $175 →
83John Elder (1824–1869) by Daniel MacneeJohn Elder (1824–1869) Make it yours from $175 →
84Portrait Study of a Gentleman Standing in an Interior by Daniel MacneePortrait Study of a Gentleman Standing in an InteriorScottish National Gallery Order this piece from $175 →
85George Baille by Daniel MacneeGeorge BailleRoyal Faculty of Procurators Get it hand-painted from $175 →
86The Letter by Daniel MacneeThe Letter Make it yours from $175 →
87David Roberts (1796–1864), HRSA, RA by Daniel MacneeDavid Roberts (1796–1864), HRSA, RARoyal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture Make it yours from $175 →
88Portrait Study of a Gentleman Seated in an Interior by Daniel MacneePortrait Study of a Gentleman Seated in an InteriorScottish National Gallery Make it yours from $175 →
89Dugald Moore by Daniel MacneeDugald Moore Order this piece from $175 →
90Mrs George Kerr by Daniel MacneeMrs George Kerr Order this piece from $175 →
91Anderson Kirkwood, LLD by Daniel MacneeAnderson Kirkwood, LLDRoyal Faculty of Procurators Order this piece from $175 →
92John Dykes, Provost (1860–1869) by Daniel MacneeJohn Dykes, Provost (1860–1869) Order this piece from $175 →
93Portrait Study of a Gentleman Standing in an Interior by Daniel MacneePortrait Study of a Gentleman Standing in an InteriorScottish National Gallery Order this piece from $175 →
94William Johnstone of Glenorchard (1806–1864) by Daniel MacneeWilliam Johnstone of Glenorchard (1806–1864) Make it yours from $175 →
95Colonel John Ferrier Hamilton of Cairnhill (1786–1871) by Daniel MacneeColonel John Ferrier Hamilton of Cairnhill (1786–1871)County Buildings Get it hand-painted from $175 →
96Sir John Whitehead by Daniel MacneeSir John WhiteheadNew York Historical Society Get it hand-painted from $175 →
97Robert Perry (1783–1848), President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1843–1845) by Daniel MacneeRobert Perry (1783–1848), President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1843–1845) Get it hand-painted from $175 →
98Peter Coats (1808–1890) by Daniel MacneePeter Coats (1808–1890) Get it hand-painted from $175 →
99Portrait Study of Three Ladies and a Boy in Highland Dress in an Interior by Daniel MacneePortrait Study of Three Ladies and a Boy in Highland Dress in an InteriorScottish National Gallery Get it hand-painted from $175 →
100J. Francis Williams (1785–1846), RSA by Daniel MacneeJ. Francis Williams (1785–1846), RSARoyal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture Get it hand-painted from $175 →

Daniel Macnee's paintings, period by period

What Daniel Macnee painted most

The four subjects that come up most often in these pieces, each with its best-known example.

Where you can see Daniel Macnee's paintings

The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.

Museum City Works by Daniel Macnee Paintings from this list
Scottish National Gallery, EdinburghScottish National Gallery Edinburgh 17 Horatio McCulloch (1805–1867), A Lady in Grey (The Artist's Daughter, Later Mrs Wiseman), A Portrait Study of a Gentleman Standing in an Interior
Scottish National Portrait Gallery, EdinburghScottish National Portrait Gallery Edinburgh 11 Alexander Whitelaw, 1823 - 1879. Industrialist and philanthropist, Rev. James Taylor, 1813 - 1892. Minister and author, John Wilson (1800–1849), Singer and Composer of Songs
Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture, EdinburghRoyal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture Edinburgh 6 Lady Macnee and Her Daughter (Portrait of the Artist's Daughter and Granddaughter), The Bracelet, Clarkson Stanfield (1793–1867), HRSA, RA
Royal Faculty of Procurators, GlasgowRoyal Faculty of Procurators Glasgow 3 Alexander Morrison of Ballinakill (1786–1860), Dean of Faculty (1846–1860), George Baille, Anderson Kirkwood, LLD
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery - Museum, StirlingThe Stirling Smith Art Gallery - Museum Stirling 3 Agnes Smith Greig, My Little Dolly
National Portrait Gallery, LondonNational Portrait Gallery London 2 Douglas William Jerrold, John Ramsay McCulloch
County Buildings, AyrCounty Buildings Ayr 2 Mrs Peter Simpson, Colonel John Ferrier Hamilton of Cairnhill (1786–1871)
Scottish Courts And Tribunals Service, EdinburghScottish Courts And Tribunals Service Edinburgh 1 Archibald McNeill, Principal Clerk of Session (1858–1870)

Decade by decade: the best-known Daniel Macnee piece of each

Works per decade

Pick a decade to see its standout piece.

Daniel Macnee: quick answers about the paintings

What is Daniel Macnee's best-known painting?See the answer

Top of the list is Alexander Morrison of Ballinakill (1786–1860), Dean of Faculty (1846–1860) (1859), Royal Faculty of Procurators, Glasgow. Right behind it: David Crawford (1790–1861), Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire and Baron Baillie of Greenock (1856) and Archibald McNeill, Principal Clerk of Session (1858–1870) (1860).

What age was Daniel Macnee when creating Alexander Morrison of Ballinakill (1786–1860), Dean of Faculty (1846–1860)?See the answer

53 years old. Daniel Macnee was born in 1806, and Alexander Morrison of Ballinakill (1786–1860), Dean of Faculty (1846–1860) dates from 1859.

What are Daniel Macnee's top 10 paintings?See the answer

Alexander Morrison of Ballinakill (1786–1860), Dean of Faculty (1846–1860), David Crawford (1790–1861), Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire and Baron Baillie of Greenock, Archibald McNeill, Principal Clerk of Session (1858–1870), Horatio McCulloch (1805–1867), A Lady in Grey (The Artist's Daughter, Later Mrs Wiseman), Alexander Whitelaw, 1823 - 1879. Industrialist and philanthropist, Sir James Matheson (1796–1878), Rev. James Taylor, 1813 - 1892. Minister and author, Professor Allen Thomson (1809–1884), FRCSEd (1832) and Adam Sim of Coulter Mains (1805–1868). You'll find the year and the museum of each in the list above.

How many works by Daniel Macnee are in your catalogue?See the answer

We have 114 works by Daniel Macnee in our catalogue, dated 1830 to 1881.

In which museums can you see Daniel Macnee's famous works?See the answer

You'll find most of them in Scottish National Gallery (Edinburgh), Scottish National Portrait Gallery (Edinburgh) and Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture (Edinburgh). The museum list above has the full breakdown.

When did Daniel Macnee make the most famous pieces?See the answer

In 1870s, more than any other time: 22 of the 100 pieces on this page date from then, Alexander Whitelaw, 1823 - 1879. Industrialist and philanthropist among them.

What are Daniel Macnee's first and last famous pieces?See the answer

The earliest piece here is John Wilson (1800–1849), Singer and Composer of Songs (1830); the most recent is John Boyd Baxter (1796–1882), Procurator Fiscal of Farfarshire (1881).

Which subjects did Daniel Macnee paint most often?See the answer

Man (20), Chair (13) and Suit (13), out of the 100 pieces on this page.

Which medium shows up most in Daniel Macnee's paintings?See the answer

Oil On Canvas, used in 24 of the 100 pieces on this page.

What style or movement is Daniel Macnee known for?See the answer

Academic realism, as you can see in the pieces on this page.

Which famous Daniel Macnee paintings are at the Scottish National Gallery?See the answer

You can see 12 of the pieces on this page at the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh, including Horatio McCulloch (1805–1867), A Lady in Grey (The Artist's Daughter, Later Mrs Wiseman) and A Portrait Study of a Gentleman Standing in an Interior.

Where can I order a Daniel Macnee reproduction?See the answer

Yes. Every painting on this page is available as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print, in the size that suits you. Just open the painting's page to order.

Daniel Macnee's story

Daniel Macnee: A Highland Visionary

Daniel Macnee (1806 – 1882) stands as a pivotal figure in Scottish art history, recognized primarily for his evocative depictions of the Highlands and his contribution to establishing the Royal Scottish Academy. Born into a prominent London family, Macnee’s artistic journey began amidst considerable privilege but swiftly found its focus on capturing the rugged beauty and spirit of Scotland – a fascination that would define his oeuvre.

  • Early Life & Education: Macnee received an excellent education at Eton College and subsequently pursued studies at Christ's Hospital, honing his artistic skills before embarking on a distinguished naval career. This formative experience instilled in him discipline and observation—qualities that would prove invaluable to his painting practice.
  • The Highland Influence: Macnee’s artistic sensibilities were profoundly shaped by the landscapes of Scotland, particularly the Cairngorms National Park where he resided for extended periods. He meticulously studied topographical drawings and sketches, striving to accurately represent the dramatic vistas and subtle tonal variations characteristic of these mountainous regions.
  • Royal Scottish Academy Membership & Leadership: Macnee’s dedication to artistic excellence culminated in his election to the Royal Scottish Academy in 1837—a prestigious honor that cemented his position as a leading voice within Scotland's artistic community. He served as President from 1869 until his death, championing innovation and fostering a supportive environment for aspiring artists.

Notable Paintings & Artistic Style

  • “A Lady in Grey” (1859): Perhaps Macnee’s most celebrated work is “A Lady in Grey,” a portrait of his daughter, later Mrs Wiseman. Executed with remarkable realism and sensitivity, the painting exemplifies Macnee's mastery of tonal gradation—a technique he skillfully employed to convey mood and texture. The muted palette reflects the prevailing artistic trends of the era while simultaneously capturing the quiet dignity of his subject.
  • Highland Scenes: Beyond portraiture, Macnee produced numerous landscapes that showcase his acute understanding of light and color. His canvases depict dramatic mountain ranges bathed in golden sunlight, conveying a palpable sense of grandeur and tranquility. He achieved this effect through meticulous observation and careful brushwork—characteristics that distinguish his work from more generalized depictions of the Highlands.
  • Technique & Influences: Macnee’s artistic style drew inspiration from luminism—a movement emphasizing atmospheric effects and subtle tonal variations—and he skillfully adopted techniques pioneered by artists like George Caleb Bingham and Frederic Church. His meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of his subjects ensured that his paintings would endure as timeless expressions of Scottish landscape and portraiture.

Legacy & Historical Significance

Daniel Macnee’s contribution to Scottish art extends beyond individual masterpieces; he played a crucial role in establishing the Royal Scottish Academy, fostering artistic discourse and promoting excellence within Scotland's visual arts landscape. His paintings continue to resonate with viewers today, serving as reminders of a bygone era characterized by Romantic idealism and an unwavering appreciation for the sublime beauty of nature. Macnee’s legacy resides not only in his artistic achievements but also in his enduring influence on subsequent generations of Scottish artists.