This late 19th-century watercolour by Scottish artist Alexander Fraser Jnr RSA (1828-1899) depicts a doorway at the historic Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian, Scotland.

Alexander Fraser Jnr RSA was predominantly known as a painter of rugged naturalistic landscapes, genre scenes and, occasionally, interiors. Hailing from Woodcockdale, near Linlithgow, his early tuition was provided by his father, Alexander George Fraser ARSA (1786-1865), before he undertook formal training at the Trustees Academy in Edinburgh and the Royal Scottish Academy. A precocious talent, in his autobiography he recalled at an early age “covering every scrap of paper I laid hands on” with “drawings of horses and boats”. And “when lost - a matter of frequent occurrence - I was usually found at a pit on the seashore, busily modelling in clay, often with a shell lying before me to copy from.”

This fascination with nature fuelled his desire to work outdoors - studying diligently amid the ever-changing conditions and painting what he saw without embellishment. His appreciation for the picturesque lochs and glens of his homeland earned him an early debut at the Royal Scottish Academy where he was later elected a member. He was also shown at the Royal Academy in London and frequently at the Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts.

But Fraser was more than simply a landscape painter of repute. During his early years, he produced numerous genre scenes, which were similar in some respects to those of his father. They often carried a witty narrative within a domestic setting. The works of Sir David Wilkie RA (1785-1841) were perhaps an inspiration. In addition, Fraser Jnr enjoyed historical buildings, particularly the bewitching Rosslyn Chapel, which he painted on numerous occasions, as we see here. It’s interesting that his father's close friend, David Roberts RA (1796-1864), adored the chapel and frequently worked within it. Perhaps the young Fraser was inspired. Today it’s shrouded in mystery following its association with Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code.

Alexander Fraser Jnr RSA is represented in numerous public collections including at the Scottish National Gallery. In 1872, he exhibited a work titled ‘Roslin Chapel’ at the Royal Academy in London.

Signed in the lower right and held within a gilt frame.

Learn more about Alexander Fraser Jnr RSA in our directory.

Medium: Watercolour and pencil on paper
Overall size: 15½” x 22” / 39cm x 56cm
Year of creation: c. 1875
Labels & Inscriptions: Partial label on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Frame restored. Mount with light marks.
Artist’s auction maximum: £18,500
Our reference: BRV1815