Robert Macpherson (1811–1872) was a Scottish photographer, painter, and art dealer best known for his photographs of ancient Roman monuments, architecture, and landscapes in Italy. Born in Scotland, he initially studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh before pursuing a career in painting and art dealing. Around 1840, he moved to Rome, where he established himself as a landscape painter and later became interested in photography in 1851. He gained recognition for his detailed photographs of Rome's historical landmarks, including the Colosseum, ancient temples, and the Vatican's sculpture collections. His photographs were popular among British and American travelers who wanted visual records of Italy's celebrated historical sites. Macpherson helped establish photography as an important medium for documenting art and architecture during the nineteenth century. He died in Rome in 1872, leaving behind a valuable photographic record of Italy's cultural heritage.