Smith was born at
Brechin, in
Angus, the son of John Smith, a merchant, and his wife, Cecilia Gillies. He studied art in
London at the
Royal Academy Schools and worked in
Joseph Nollekens's studio. He then proceeded to work in Italy, where he executed some fine copies after
Titian; and at
Antwerp he made studies after the works of
Rubens. Soon he attained a wide practice as a portrait-painter, and among his sitters were
Lord Jeffrey,
Henry Mackenzie, author of
The Man of Feeling, and many of the most celebrated Scotsmen of the time. His portrait of
Sir Walter Scott was so popular that he executed some twenty replicas of it, for seven of which he received fresh sittings. His works are distinguished by excellent draftsmanship, by directness and simplicity of treatment, and by well-marked individuality. He died in Edinburgh on 21 July 1875. He is buried with his parents in the churchyard of
Brechin Cathedral. The grave lies south of the round tower. ==Influence==