Thomas, one of the most distinguished portrait and historical painters that Scotland has produced, was born at Kinclaven in Perthshire, May 24, 1807. He was educated at the Perth Academy, and afterwards began the study of the law, which, however, he speedily abandoned for the more congenial pursuits of art. Commencing his new career under the directing guidance of Sir William Allan, he early attained distinction as a delineator of the human figure; and his first pictures established his fame so completely, that at a very early age he was appointed professor of colouring, and afterwards of drawing, in the Academy of Edinburgh. In 1840 he produced one of his finest pieces, "Prince Charles Edward and the Highlanders entering Edinburgh after the Battle of Prestonpans." This painting secured his election as an associate of the Royal Academy in 1843. In that same year he produced his no less famous picture of "Charles Edward asleep after Culloden, protected by Flora Macdonald," which, like many other of his pieces, has been often engraved. In 1844 appeared his "Cupid" and his "Martyrdom of John Brown of Priesthill," the last effort of his pencil, with the exception of a portrait of himself. He died at Edinburgh, May 25, 1845.