Formerly hanging in Hamilton Palace, South Lanarkshire, now at Lennoxlove, East Lothian

As a young man Alexander spent several years on the Continent, studying the arts. In 1801 he returned home. Appointed Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire and Colonel of the Militia in 1802, he was elected M.P. for Lancaster in 1803 and appointed a Privy Councillor.

Called to the House of Lords in 1806 as Baron Dutton he was appointed by Fox as Ambassador to Russia, but was recalled in 1807 on a change of government. After travelling in Russia and Poland he returned to Scotland in 1808.

Succeeding to the Dukedom in 1819 he greatly enlarged Hamilton Palace and built the Mausoleum which still stands. Known as 'El Magnifico' he filled the palace with art treasures and an extensive library.