Background

Archibald Robertson was born in May 8, 1765 in Scotland, the eldest son of William Robertson and Jean Ross. The father was an architect who removed to Aberdeen when Archibald was a child.

Education

at King's College, the latter received his education, although apparently he was not graduated. In 1782 he went to Edinburgh to study the art of painting, having as associates Henry Raeburn, Walter Weir, and George Watson. After a few years he returned to Aberdeen for the benefit of his health, and in 1786 went to London, where he sought introductions to Benjamin West and Sir Joshua Reynolds. The latter was then the president of the Royal Academy, and told Robertson the steps necessary to enter that school.

He also conducted a drawing academy until 1791, when he was invited by Dr. John Kemp of Columbia College (through Dr. Gordon of King's College, Aberdeen) to come to America.

Career

He conducted a drawing academy until 1791, when he was invited by Dr. John Kemp of Columbia College (through Dr. Gordon of King's College, Aberdeen) to come to America. The Earl of Buchan, upon hearing of his intended departure, commissioned him to paint a portrait of George Washington. This he did in Philadelphia, then the capital of the United States, a few months after his arrival. He was received with much cordiality by Washington and his family, and while with them painted miniatures of both the President and Mrs. Washington. In 1792 Robertson sent for his brother, Alexander, still abroad studying art, and together they opened the Columbian Academy of Painting at 89 William St. , New York. Four years later they settled at 79 Liberty St. , and here Archibald continued his painting until 1828. Alexander conducted a drawing academy at various addresses in the city. Another brother, Andrew, was a very successful artist in London. A collection of his paintings is in the South Kensington Museum, London. n addition to his work in portraiture, Robertson executed a number of water-color views of New York City. He had drawings and miniatures in the first, and later, exhibitions of the American Academy of Fine Arts (from 1816 on), and is listed as an Academician in 1817 when his brother, Alexander, was secretary. In that year he exhibited in the Academy his well-known cabinet portrait of Washington, painted in water-color on marble, and now, together with a number of his family miniatures, in the possession of the New York Historical Society. From 1817 to 1833 he served as a director of the Academy, and, with another artist, recommended the establishment of schools in that institution, but this proposal was defeated by the president through his influence with the board of directors, and the Academy became merely a society for the exhibition of pictures. Robertson wrote a "Treatise on Miniature Painting" which he sent to his brother Andrew at Aberdeen. This valuable work is printed in the Letters and Papers of Andrew Robertson, A. M. , Born 1777, Died 1845, edited by Emily Robertson and published in London in 1895. He also edited a treatise for the use of his pupils, published under the title, Elements of the Graphic Arts (1802). At the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 Robertson was placed in charge of the department of the fine arts in connection with the celebration, designing the badge used and the medal struck upon that occasion. His report is printed in Cadwallader D. Colden's Memoir at the Celebration of the Completion of the New York Canals (1825). Robertson was a gentleman and a scholar. His literary pursuits included the study of several languages; as an amateur architect he made several designs for buildings; and he also recorded that he had an acquaintance with the construction of ships.

Achievements

• Published his own book Elements of the Graphic Arts in 1802. Painted George and Martha Washington

Works

More photos

• book

  • Valley of Glencoe

    (London: Published by Robert Andrew Riddell, 1795. Colour-...)

  • Views of the Pyrenees (set of 6)

    (London: Published by A. Robertson Charles Street, St. Jam...)

Connections

In 1794 he married Eliza Abramse, daughter of Jacob Abramse, Jr. , and Rachel Walker, his wife; to them were born ten children, six sons and four daughters. Mrs. Robertson was also an artist, judging by her pen-and-ink sketches of Shakespearian subjects in the possession of the family. The latter years of Robertson's life, when he was nearly blind, were spent in retirement.

Wife:

Eliza Abramse

daughter of Jacob Abramse, Jr., and Rachel Walker (Married in 1794)

Brother:

Alexander,

Brother:

Andrew

Another brother, Andrew, was a very successful artist in London.