Miniature of Robert Burns which belonged to Jean Armour Burns

This miniature portrait of Robert Burns belonged to his wife, Jean Armour.  The likeness has been taken from the portrait of Burns painted by Alexander Nasmyth in 1787 and it was most probably made as a memento for his widow.   The watercolour drawing on ivory is well executed, and would have been a cherished possession.   Jean Armour Burns continued to live in the family home in Dumfries following the poet's death in 1796.  She remained there for the rest of her life and by the time of her own death in 1834, the house had become a place of pilgrimage.