George Denune, Esq.

Biography

Art historian and collector, Mr. Harry Mergler recently acquired a portrait of Dr George Denune, M.D., which we believe to be our George Denune, Esq, Who was born 27 January 1689, married on 21 March 1714 at Haddington and whose will was probated on July 4, 1729 at Haddington, Mid-Lothian, Scotland, where he was mentioned as an M.D.  George was the son of Rev. William Denune and Isabella Hepburn, the daughter of Doctor George Hepburn of Moncraig. There is a fine Spencerian inscription stating the sister's name and profession on the reverse of the canvas. There is no indication of the painter,  but the work is competent and in keeping with the early 18th century. While Mr. Mergler understands that George's brother William became a painter in the Americas after finishing medical school in Paris in 1721, he (correctly) thinks it quite impossible to be by his brother's (Dr William Denune) hand, because the style of his painting appears more accomplished than William's earliest works done later in America. It is very plausible that that there may have been another branch of the family who were painter's in Edinburgh where William may have received his initial training, since there is a another William Denune active there beginning in 1715. Mr. Mergler writes, "Please feel free to pass along this information to others involved in the Denune family lineage." Thanks a million Harry!!!