DUNCAN, THOMAS, n.s.A., and A.D.A., was b. at Kinelaven, Perthshire, May 24, 1807; and died at Edinburgh, 25th May, 1845. He studied in the Trustees' academy, under sir William Allan; was his successor as bead-master of that school, and one of the most distinguished members of the royal Scottish academy. His portraits, and his torical and fancy subjects, evince delicate feeling for female beauty, and keen appreci ation of the humorous in Scottish character. The drawing is always careful and cor rect, and the coloring remarkable for clearness and delicacy. Though he exhibited but few pictures in the royal academy of London, they at once attracted marked attention, and he was elected an associate of that body in 1843. The principal works he exhibited there were: " Anne Page and Slender;" an illustration from the- ballad of Auld Robin Gray, now in the Sheepshanks gallery, South Kensington; " Prince Charles's Entry into Edinburgh after the Battle of Prestonpans"—and the same prince, when a fugitive, con cealed in a cave. He had now entered on a most successful career, and was engaged on the studies for two important works: "Wishart Dispensing the Sacrament on the Day of his Martyrdom;" and a large picture for the marquis of Breadalbane. "Queen Victoria at Taymouth," when he was seized with an illness which terminated fatally. One of his latest works was a portrait of himself; it is now in the national gallery of Scotland, and is an excellent specimen of careful drawing, united to great power of color and effect. That D. was remarkable for energy and industry, is proved by the
number and high quality of the works he executed, though he died at the early age of thirty-eight. His portraits, especially those of ladies and children, will always hold a high place. Though constantly engaged on fancy subjects, he every year exhibited a very considerable number of portraits. In addition to the works above referred to, the following is a list of the principal historical and-fancy subjects exhibited by him in the royal Scottish academy-1829: "The Death of Old Mortality," and " A Milk-girl." 1830: " The Braw Wooer," and "Children and Rabbit." 1831: "Lucy Ashton," and finished sketch of " Jeanie Deans and the Robbers." 1832: " Girl with Flowers." 1834: " Cuddie Headrig Visiting Jenny Dennison." 1835: "Mary Queen of Scots compelled to Sign her Abdication." 1836: " A Covenanter," and " Old Mortality Renew ing the Inscription on a Tonibstone." 1838: "The Secret Chamber—Isaac of York Visiting. his Treasure," "The Lily of St. Leouards," and "The Friends." 1839: Study of " A'Highland Stag, with Dead Game and Fruit." 1845: " The Martyrdom of John Brown of Priesthill, 1685." 1846: The finished sketch of " Wishart Dispensing the Sacrament on the Day of his Martyrdom, Mar. 1, 154G," was exhibited after the artist's death.