John Lavery, born in Belfast to a catholic family, was orphaned early in life. He moved to Glasgow and worked as a photographers assistant, before taking art classes at the Haldene Academy.

In 1881 he attended the Academie Julian in Paris, and, on a visit to Grez three years later, was influenced by the work of Frank O'Meara and other 'plein air' painters who worked there. He subsequently painted in Scotland and England as well as Ireland, but his plein air work is mainly associated with France and with Tangiers, where he bought a house.

In England, his fasionable portrait practice thrived, particularly after he painted the British Royal family in 1913.

Lavery was an official war artist for the British Royal Navy during the First World War. He was a highly versatile artist and moved freely in the highest echelons of society, both in Britain and on the Continent.