Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) was one of the leading English portrait artists in the late 18th century. He painted Mary Graham's portrait which hangs in the Royal Scottish Gallery. Gainsborough was known for painting his subjects in contemporary dress.

Mary Graham was the second daughter of the 9th Baron Cathcart, who served as Ambassador to Catherine the Great.  She married Thomas Graham, later Lord Lynedoch, and was considered an icon of contemporary beauty in the wealthy upper class.