Sir John Baptist de Medina Paintings

Sir John Baptist de Medina was a Flemish portrait painter who worked primarily in Scotland in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born in Brussels in 1659 to a family of Spanish descent, de Medina showed artistic talent from an early age. He went on to study painting under François Duchatel in Brussels before moving to England in the 1690s.

De Medina's career truly flourished when he relocated to Scotland, where he became a sought-after portraitist among the Scottish nobility and gentry. In 1695, he settled in Edinburgh and quickly established himself as the successor to Sir John Baptist Medina, a leading portrait painter of the Scottish Court. His style was influenced by Sir Anthony van Dyck and reflected the Baroque grandeur of the time, characterized by a strong use of chiaroscuro and elegant poses.

During his time in Scotland, de Medina produced a prolific number of portraits, capturing the likenesses of many important figures of his day, including members of the Scottish Parliament and the judiciary. His work was well received, and he was eventually knighted by King William in recognition of his contributions to the arts.

Sir John Baptist de Medina's portraits are noted for their dramatic lighting and psychological insight, as he often captured not just the physical likeness of his subjects but also a sense of their character and status. His legacy includes influencing the next generation of Scottish painters, who continued to develop the portrait tradition in Britain.

De Medina died in Edinburgh in October 1710. His works can be found in various art collections and museums, serving as a testament to his skill and the cultural milieu of Scotland during his time.