Artwork by Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir John Everett Millais on display at Duff House
The work is the latest in a series of loans from the National Galleries of Scotland to the Georgian mansion near Banff
The artwork ‘Sweetest eyes were ever seen’ by Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir John Everett Millais (1829-1896) will be on display at Duff House from today (Friday 2 October). It is the latest in a series of paintings to be loaned from the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) to Duff House, an early Georgian mansion managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
The portrait is of child actress Beatrice Buckstone and was first exhibited in 1881 at the Grosvenor Gallery, which was the principal London venue for the display of modern avant-garde British art. The title of the picture is a quotation from Catarina to Camões by the Victorian poetess Elizabeth Barrett Browning and was chosen by Millais after discarding his original title, A Girl with Violets.
Sir John Everett Millais was an English artist and one of the founders of the influential Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Millais is best known for his paintings during his Pre-Raphaelite era, such as Christ in the House of His Parents and Ophelia, but he moved away from the movement’s distinctive style as he grew more confident as an artist. His relationship with his Scottish wife Effie Gray and her former husband and art critic John Ruskin has been dramatised several times for stage and screen.
Aidan Weston-Lewis, Chief Curator of European, Scottish art and Portraiture at the National Galleries of Scotland said:
"We’re thrilled to share 'Sweetest eyes were ever seen' with visitors to Duff House. Millais’s captivating portrait of the young actress Beatrice Buckstone demonstrates his legendary technical skill and offers visitors an opportunity to discover a lesser-known work by one of the founding members of the pioneering Pre-Raphaelite movement. Through our continuing partnership with Duff House, we hope more people across the country can experience their national art collection and enjoy these outstanding artworks in inspiring new settings. We hope this beautiful painting will capture the imagination of everyone who sees it."
Through our continuing partnership with Duff House, we hope more people across the country can experience their national art collection and enjoy these outstanding artworks in inspiring new settings
Graeme Curran, Collections Manager for Duff House at Historic Environment Scotland, said:
“We’re delighted another fascinating artwork will be displayed at Duff House as part of our ongoing partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland. Sir John Everett Millais was no stranger to Scotland, with his wife Effie hailing from Perth where they would often holiday together, so there’s something special about welcoming this work into an iconic Scottish heritage site and continuing the artist’s connection with this country. Millais remains one of Britain’s most significant artists, and it's exciting to welcome visitors to explore Duff House and see this remarkable work for themselves.”
‘Sweetest eyes were ever seen’ by Sir John Everett Millais will be open to view at Duff House on selected dates from Friday 2 October 2026 to Sunday 26 September 2027. The artwork is the latest in a series of paintings to be loaned from the National Galleries of Scotland.
Entry to view the painting is included in the admission price to Duff House. Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee entry.
About the National Galleries of Scotland
We are the National Galleries of Scotland and our three Edinburgh galleries are the National, Modern and Portrait. We house and look after Scotland’s amazing world-class art collection. Step inside and explore art treasures from centuries ago to the very best modern art and contemporary portraits of pop culture icons. And, as you’d expect, the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art.
We’re a space for thinking, dreaming, doing and playing. Soak up the art. Meet friends in the cafés. Have a family picnic surrounded by the sculptures in the Modern grounds. Be inspired by our amazing art films. Choose your own experience. There is no one way to enjoy Scotland’s national collection. We are yours to discover.
About Duff House
Duff House is a triumph of baroque architecture and one of the most important buildings in the north of Scotland. It was designed in 1735 by the renowned Scottish architect William Adam and is now a five-star visitor attraction, run in partnership by Historic Environment Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
More about our communications office
Keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases
Contact
For further information, please contact:
Historic Environment Scotland Communications Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot