Unknown

19th-Century English School, Portrait Of A Gentleman

c. 1840

This early 19th-century oil painting by English artist W.S. Cooper (act. 1832-1834) depicts a bay hunter and groom in a landscape with a hunt beyond. Once hanging in a proud English...

This early 19th-century half-length portrait attributed to British artist George Clint ARA (1770-1854) depicts a young lady wearing a beautiful brown dress, bonnet decorated with small flowers, gold earrings and coral necklace. Clint was a distinguished painter and mezzotint engraver predominantly known for portraiture and dramatic scenes. Set before an evocative classically-inspired backdrop, she looks out from across the centuries with a composed demeanour. Adorned in the latest fashions, oversized ‘gigot’ sleeves, a delicately-poised bonnet, and a coral necklace for good luck. It’s a charming portrayal by a masterful hand. Born at Drury Lane, in the heart of London’s West End, George Clint was destined to lead an exuberant life amid the spectacle of theatreland. His father, Michael Clint, was a hairdresser during a time of “hair pomatum, whalebone, wire, lace gauze, and feathers” - so young George would have encountered a variety of ‘characters’ during his childhood. But despite these elevated surroundings, he soon discovered the darker side of London when thrust into the world of employment. Apprenticed initially as a fishmonger, he trained under a ferocious master who was known to beat him. The hours were unsocial, the conditions rank, and the work was brutal. He soon quit but subsequently found himself toiling for a corrupt attorney who demanded he undertake unscrupulous acts on his behalf. Seeking a less volatile role, he turned next to house painting, at which he excelled. Commissioned, among other projects, to paint the stones of the arches in the nave of Westminster Abbey. Aside from an incident whereby he almost fell from the second story of a building, all was going well. Following his marriage in 1792 to Sarah Coxhead, a farmer’s daughter, he began work in earnest as a painter of miniatures, determined to forge a career. Robert William Buss’ memoir celebrates Clint’s success as a miniaturist, stating that “great manual excellence was united with that chaste, delicate feeling for female beauty which characterised all Mr. Clint's portraits of ladies.” Until this point, it appears he was predominantly self-taught, presumably constrained by a lack of finances. But from hereon in, his industrious nature coupled with several fortunate encounters, led to him developing an enviable talent for both painting and engraving. During the early 19th-century, the acquaintances one kept could make or break your fortunes and perhaps acutely aware of this, Clint’s ‘society’ was an ever-evolving circle of influential personalities. He was “initiated into the mysteries of engraving” by Edward Bell (act.1794-1819) and produced numerous works after the foremost artists, such as George Stubbs, John Hoppner, and Thomas Lawrence. Following a commission from Lawrence, he struck up a long-term friendship. Admired for his skill as a mezzotint engraver, he sought next to hone his technique in oils and, as with many aspiring portraitists, his first work in this respect was a depiction of his beloved wife. The pair were both delighted with it, yet over time Clint began to doubt himself and sought the validation of a superior hand - that of Sir William Beechey (1753-1839). However, paralysed with insecurity, he couldn’t face the potential criticism, so his wife took it instead - “with a child under one arm and the portrait in the other”. The result was immeasurably more positive than he’d envisaged and he became closely associated with Beechey until his death in 1839. Numerous commissions followed from the landed gentry including Lord Egremont, Lord Spencer, and Lord Essex. But also from the theatrical community who would fill his studio at 83 Gower Street, Bloomsbury. His connections within the world of acting led to notable works such as ‘Malvolio and Sir Toby’ (from William Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night', Act II, Scene iii)’ and ‘Harriet Smithson as Miss Dorillon, in Wives as They Were, and Maids as They Are’. While his efforts in mezzotint included several contributions to JMW Turner’s Liber Studiorum. As a measure of his success, Clint was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1821 - a position he later relinquished for personal reasons. Today, he’s represented in numerous public collections including at The British Museum, Harvard Art Museums, The Met, V&A, Yale Center for British Art, and the National Portrait Gallery. “The respect in which he was held, not only by his brother artists, but by an immense number of eminent men in various professions, and others of the highest rank, was the result of a rare combination of talent, candour, suavity of manner, and integrity of purpose”. [Obituary, 1854]. Housed in a period gilt frame, which is probably original. Learn more about George Clint ARA in our directory. Labels & Inscriptions: Supplier’s stencil from Rowney & Forster. The National Portrait Gallery holds a database of supplier’s stencils over the decades. The one here is also presented on two other works by George Clint. ‘Falstaff’s Assignation with Mrs Ford...

***PLEASE NOTE: EACH PAINTING INCLUDING THE FRAME MEASURES 16.75 INCHES X 14.5 INCHES*** Federico Andreotti Italian, (1847-1930) A Bouquet of Flowers & A Fine Vintage Oil on canvas, pair, both signed Image size: 12 inches x 9.75 inches (each) Size including frame: 16.75 inches x 14.5 inches (each) A delightful pair of three quarter length portraits of Italian women by Federico Andreotti. The first work shows a young woman in fine clothing with a basket of flowers in her hands. The second painting depicts a traditionally dressed woman holding a Chianti Fiasco and other wine bottles. Federico or Federigo Andreotti was a genre and figure painter born in Florence on 6 March, 1847. He showed artistic talent from an early age and at 9 years old began receiving art lessons from the miniature painter Angiolo Tricca (1817-1884). At the age of 17, he attended the Art Academy in Florence where he studied under Enrico Pollastrini (1817-1876), the President of the Academy. Whilst there he won a competition and made a name for himself by producing amusing genre scenes and costume studies. His success attracted the patronage of wealthy and notable clients including the King of Italy who commissioned him to paint a large historical painting of Savonarola. As well as working as an artist, he also taught art at the Florentine Academy where he was made Professor in 1879. During the same year, he began exhibiting abroad and made his debut at the Royal Academy in London, where he continued to show his works until 1883. He is believed to have spent time in England around this period where he also exhibited at other galleries including the Royal Manchester Institution, United Galleries, Arthur Tooth & Sons and Thomas Richardson & co. He spent most of his life in Florence where he died on 30 October, 1930. His painting of Savonarola is held by the Italian government. Other examples of his work can be found in a number of UK public art collections including the Blackburn Museum, Fylde Town Hall, Glasgow Museum, Hawarth Art Gallery and Towneley Hall Art Museum. Presentation: The paintings are housed in new, English made gilt frames which are in excellent condition. Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, these works are offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished. © Benton Fine Art

Portrait of a Seated Lady English School, mid 19th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 16 x 13 inches provenance: private collection, England condition: good and sound condition