Margaret Sutherland (née Robertson)

Margaret Sutherland (1761–1832), with her pearl necklace and gold-cased watch, gilded bronze writing set and mahogany desk, presents as an educated woman with financial security. Indeed, her husband Daniel (1756 – 1832) was a partner in the North West Company, acquiring additional shares in 1792. In commissioning Beaucourt to paint Margaret’s portrait, the Sutherlands chose an artist who had spent the previous 15 years practicing his art in Europe – a highly desirable qualification.