Peter Denny, the fifth son of William Denny (1779–1833), was born at Dumbarton where the family had been involved in boat building since at least the middle of the 18th century. He joined his two elder brothers engaged in iron shipbuilding in 1844 and in 1850 he went into partnership with John McAusland and John Tulloch. Peter Denny was the first to experiment with iron screw steamships, and his success lead to a large expansion of the business. He was a considerable benefactor to the town of Dumbarton (see ‘Shipyard at Dumbarton’ by Samuel Bough (BHC 1792)).

Sir Daniel Macnee ran a highly successful portrait practice in Glasgow. He was President of the Royal Scottish Academy, 1876–82. As can be seen in this portrait he painted with vigorous brush strokes. He was influenced by Henry Raeburn and Andrew Geddes.

Denny is shown wearing a black frock coat. His left arm is resting on a stone wall and the background is trees and foliage. Signed and dated ‘Daniel Macnee, R.S.A. 1868’.