A charming mid-century portrait of a woman in a red coat with a large rose by Scottish artist, Hamish Constable Paterson (1890-1955).

Often the beauty of art is held within the eye of the beholder and this portrait is a good example of how an expression can be interpreted in many different ways. What do you see when you look into her eyes? Shyness? Loss? Excitement even? Perhaps our unique perception tells us more about ourselves than the sitter.

Paterson’s middle name was a tribute to John Constable who was deeply admired by his father, James Paterson RSA. Like his father, Hamish was well regarded during his lifetime and produced a diverse array of paintings including portraits, landscapes and scenes.

On the 30th of August 2000, a portrait titled ‘Tranquility’ reached £3,000 at Sotheby’s. It depicts a young lady looking left before a landscape and a vast sky. Her expression is enigmatic and captivating, which seems to be a common thread in Hamish’s portraits.

Hamish studied at Edinburgh School of Art and exhibited at the RSA Annual Exhibitions between 1912 and 1949. He also exhibited at the Royal Academy, Royal Scottish Academy and Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts.

The portrait is signed/dated in the lower right.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 26½” x 21” / 53cm x 68cm
Year of creation: 1944
Provenance: England
Condition: Generally very presentable. Frame with some age-related wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £3,000 achieved for ‘Tranquility’ at Sotheby’s in 2000.