A view of Brechin Castle, Angus, seen from the southbank of the River South Esk, with the artist sketching and other figures on the banks

Alexander Nasmyth, often considered the father of Scottish landscape painting, was one of the chief founders of the picturesque tradition in Scotland. Born in Edinburgh, where he studied at the Trustee's Academy, he worked as an assistant to Allan Ramsay in London from 1774 until he resettled in Edinburgh as a portrait painter in 1778. Nasmyth's growing interest in landscape painting is reflected in the sketches he executed during his years in Italy between 1783-1784, and later, after his return to Scotland, through the encouragement of his friend, the author Robert Burns. Between 1800 and 1810, the artist became increasingly involved in architectural commissions, providing his patrons with designs for follies, bridges, stables and grand mansions whilst also making recommendations for improvements in the lay-out of their estates. It was during this period of architectural and landscaping activity that Nasmyth received a number of commissions to paint country houses; these works would ultimately define the style and tone of his mature oeuvre.

This view of Brechin Castle is a fine example of the grand-scale landscapes Nasmyth painted in the first decade of the 19th century and can be compared with his views of Castle Huntly, Perthshire (Dundee Art Gallery), and Dreghorn Castle, Midlothian (sold Christie's, London, 27 October 2005, lot 5, for £72,000). A view of Dalhousie Castle in Midlothain, painted in 1802, the same year that the surrounding pleasure grounds underwent substantial modernisation, may suggest the artist was involved in the landscape improvements.

Standing above the River South Esk, Brechin Castle dates from the 13th century but was extensively reconstructed between 1696 and 1709 by the architect Alexander Edward for James Maule, 4th Earl of Panmure. Brechin was the seat of the Earls of Panmure until it passed to George Ramsay, 8th Earl of Dalhousie, in 1782. The Round Tower, seen to the West of the Castle and the Cathedral, dates to the early 11th century and is one of only two round towers in Scotland - the other being at Abernethy in Perthshire.

We are grateful to Lady Poppy Cooksey for confirming the attribution upon first-hand inspection. She notes that the figure sketching on the bank of the river is a self-portrait of Nasmyth and that the central group may well show members of the artist's family.