Sir John Dunlop was elected MP for the kilmarnock Burghs in 1832. He lost his seat at the following election.
He was the grandson of Frances Anna Dunlop, close friend of Robert Burns, and as such, he too could claim to be descended from William Wallace.
On the 30 June 1838, he was created a Baronet but died less than a year later. This painting was presented to the Town Council by the artist in 1850.