Sir David Wilkie is considered to be the most celebrated Scottish artist of the early nineteenth century. Before leaving for London in 1805 at the age of nineteen, Wilkie undertook a number of commissions to paint family friends and local gentry in order to earn his keep. In these early portraits there is no attempt to flatter; and truth seems to be his aim. Dr Grace, a jovial character, is depicted wearing a dark jacket and bright yellow waistcoat. The painting of Dr Grace was the earliest identified oil portrait attributed to Wilkie, probably completed when the artist was around seventeen years of age. Although the style of painting does not resemble that of Wilkie's later works, it shows a certain youthful enthusiasm.