2-705-814 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'William Aikman', (mid 19th century). Engraving after a self portrait of Scottish painter William Aikman (1682-1731). Aikman studied law at the University of Edinburgh but took up a career as an artist. By 1703 he was painting portraits professionally in Edinburgh. He travelled to Europe to complete his artistic training, spending three years in Rome, before visiting Turkey. He returned to Scotland in 1712, where John Campbell, the 2nd Duke of Argyll, became his patron and persuaded Aikman to move to London. There he established a distinguished portrait practice, portraying royalty and members of the aristocracy.