Elected RSA: 10 July 1829
The Academy has to deplore an event of a very afflicting nature, in the decease of Mr Thomas Duncan, one of its members, in the prime of life, and while in the enjoyment of a professional reputation which, already of a very high order, gave promise of a still more brilliant future. To his genius and talent as an artist, Mr Duncan united those qualities which rendered him greatly respected and beloved in private life. As soon as this melancholy event was announced, a special general meeting of the Academy was held, at which it was resolved, that the Members should attend the funeral of the deceased if this should be agreeable to the bereaved widow. Their wish having been acceded to, the Academy occupied its assigned place in the procession.
Another and very touching tribute of respect to Mr Duncan’s genius, has led to the Academy becoming possessed of a valuable and interesting relic of him, which must ever be held in the greatest estimation. That relic is the portrait of Mr Duncan, (one of the latest painted by himself,) which formed part of last year’s Exhibition. It was purchased not many weeks previous to his death, by a subscription entered into by no fewer than fifty Scottish Artists, and has by them been presented to the Academy.
