The artwork, titled “William Rankin, Provost of Stirling (1867–1870)”, was created by the artist George Harvey in 1873. The piece is associated with the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of portrait.
The artwork portrays an elderly man, identified as William Rankin, who served as the Provost of Stirling from 1867 to 1870. Rankin is depicted seated, with an air of dignity and authority. He dons formal attire, including a dark suit and a white shirt fastened with a plain button. His silver hair and full white beard enhance his distinguished appearance. In his hands, he holds a letter, which adds a personal and contemplative touch to the composition. The background is understated and dark, placing the emphasis squarely on Rankin’s expressive facial features and poised demeanor. The subdued color palette and meticulous brushwork are characteristic of the Romanticism movement, emphasizing mood and personality over detailed realism.
