William Derby (British, 1786-1847) James Scarlett, Esq., M.PWilliam Derby (British, 1786-1847)James Scarlett, Esq., M.Psigned and dated 'W.Derby/Pinx/1826' (lower left) and inscribed 'J Scarlett Esq/MP' (on papers centre left); further inscribed with sitters name (on exhibition label attached to stretcher on the reverse) oil on canvas 142.3 x 113cm (56 x 44 1/2in).ExhibitedPossibly London, Royal Academy, 1826, no. 169.London, Victoria and Albert Museum, 1868.James Scarlett, 1st Baron Abinger was a prominent English lawyer, politician, and judge. In 1835, the title Baron Abinger, of Abinger in the County of Surrey and of the City of Norwich, was created for Scarlett, who was the most successful lawyer at the bar from 1816 when he first joined the inner bar of court until 1834. Scarlett's successes also saw him become an Attorney General and Knight Bachelor, as well as latterly being appointed Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer in 1834, he presided in that court for more than nine years.There is a lithograph in the National Galleries of Scotland of the same sitter which differs slightly in composition and may be after another version of this painting.