Archibald Robertson

Archibald Robertson (May 8, 1765 – December 6, 1835) was a Scottish born painter who operated the Columbian Academy of Painting in New York with his brother Alexander. Known for his miniature portrait paintings, he was asked to paint George and Martha Washington soon after coming to the United States from Scotland. He also made watercolor landscape paintings and engravings. His book Elements of the Graphic Arts was published in 1802.

Early life

Robertson was born in Monymusk, near Aberdeen on May 8, 1765. His mother was Jean Ross and his father, William Robertson,

Education Robertson attended Marischal College in Aberdeen from 1782 to 1786, where he studied art. He then studied art in Edinburgh. #tag:ref|Avery stated that Robertson studied art in EDinburgh before 1786, but did not provide a college or university name. at the invitation of several wealthy individuals to teach art. He was asked to paint the portrait of George and Martha Washington. He taught her to paint with watercolors and her work was exhibited at the American Academy of Fine Arts. They had a son, Anthony Lispenard Robertson, who was an attorney and became chief justice. He was the fourth son of many children the couple had.

Death Roberson died December 6, 1835. He is buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

Published works He published the following books: Elements of the Graphic Arts, 1802 On the Art of Sketching, about 1800, manuscript A book on the art of miniature painting