John Duncan Fergusson was one of the four Scottish Colourists, along with Samuel John Peploe, Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell and George Leslie Hunter. Each spent long periods in France in the early years of the twentieth century where, amongst other influences, they encountered the strong and vibrant colours of contemporary French painting. This led them to become known as the Colourists. These four artists are now recognised as a seminal influence on Scottish painting in the twentieth century.

Fergusson's initial enthusiasm for painting was fuelled by the 'Glasgow Boys'. In the true spirit of the groups' plein air philosophy, Fergusson carried a sketch book at all times and, despite a brief period at Edinburgh's Trustees Academy, was mainly self-taught as a draughtsman. When he arrived in Paris and began teaching at the Académie de la Palette, he became involved a more international circle of inspiring young artists from France, America and Britain. These artists included his lifelong friend, Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac, the Fauve painter Othon Friesz, the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle and Pablo Picasso, all of whom enriched Fergusson's vision in different ways. Perhaps the greatest influence on Fergusson from within this group was the American sculptor Jo Davidson who led him to become increasingly interested in sculpture.

This dynamic and powerful avant-garde portrait has all the qualities of the latest movements to sweep the city. Brancusi, for example, had settled in Paris in 1904, where he began a quest for pure form. This portrait brings to mind the monumental and simplicity of his works, which are often roughly sculpted in wood, reduced to a few basic elements. It was also drawn at the height of Fergusson's friendship with Jo Davidson, who had cast a portrait bust of his friend and commented on his wonderful sculptural features: Johnny had a head for sculpture, a fine aquiline nose and a tightly drawn skin. He looked all the Scottish chieftan.

Fergusson met John Middleton Murry frequently, with whom he shared an interest in the philosophies of Henri Bergson, at the café La Closerie des Lilas. Bergson, a Parisian philosopher, believed in the unity and harmony of nature brought about through the élan vital or 'energy of life'.

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