John Pettie RA (1839-1893): A Victorian Visionary John Pettie RA was a Scottish painter who cemented his reputation during the Victorian era, primarily residing in England. He distinguished himself as a prolific artist known for his dramatic history paintings and portraits that skillfully captured the spirit of the time—a period marked by social upheaval, moral anxieties, and burgeoning artistic innovation. Early Life & Family: Born in Edinburgh in 1839 to Alexander Pettie and Alison MacLeod, John’s upbringing instilled a love for art from an early age. His father initially resisted hi…