Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Cassie, James
CASSIE, JAMES (1819–1879), painter, was born at Keith Hall, Aberdeenshire, in 1819. In his boyhood he met with an accident which left him lame for life, and determined him to devote himself to painting. He was a pupil of James Giles, R.S.A., a painter of highland scenery and animals. Cassie settled in Aberdeen, where the sea with its surroundings and the fisher folk that resided on its shores were a most powerful source of attraction to him, and formed the most popular subjects for his brush. Elaborate detail not being suited to his style, the broad harmonious effects of marine scenery were those which he most excelled in depicting. He did not, however, confine himself to one class of subject, but painted numerous portraits and domestic subjects, and showed fair skill as a painter of animals. He exhibited several pictures at the Royal Scottish Academy and at the Royal Academy and other London exhibitions. In 1869 he was elected associate of the Royal Scottish Academy, and removed to Edinburgh, where he resided till his death. In February 1879 he was elected an academician, but he had been for some time in failing health, and died on 11 May of the same year. Cassie's works were marked by a quiet simplicity and harmonious tone. His friend John Phillip, R.A., painted his portrait.
[Scotsman, 12 May 1879; Art Journal, 1879; Clement and Hutton's Artists of the Nineteenth Century; Graves's Dict. of Artists, 1760–1880; Catalogue of Royal Scottish Academy's Loan Exhibition, 1880; information from Mrs. Fraser and Mr. J. M. Gray.]