Robert Dunkarton (1744–1811), a mezzotint engraver, was born in London in 1744. He was a pupil of Pether, and painted a few portraits, some of which, as also some portraits in crayons, were exhibited at the Royal Academy and at Spring Gardens until 1779. But his greatest success was gained as a mezzotint engraver. His plates are dated from 1770 to 1811, after which year there is no record of him. He engraved in a clear, finished style several portraits and historical subjects, of which the following are the principal:
Portraits
Portrait of Thomas Arne, after Humphrey
- George, Lord Lyttelton; after West.
- Jonas Hanway; after E. Edwards.
- Dr. Arne; after W. Humphrey.
- Miss Horneck; after Sir Joshua Reynolds.
- John Elliot; after N. Dance.
- Miss Bamfylde; after W. Peters.
- James Brindley, engineer; after Francis Parsons.
- Miss Catley, in the character of Euphrosyne; after Lawronson.
Subjects after various masters
The Soldier's Widow, with William Ward, after William Redmore Bigg, 1800
- Lot and his Daughters after A. de Gelder.
- Christ and the Disciples at Emmaus; after Guercino.
- Four subjects from the Life of Joseph; after the same.