Arthur William Devis Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Arthur William Devis Art Value Price Guide

Oct. 09, 2024
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (BRITISH 1762-1822), A DOUBLE PORTRAIT OF TWO BOYS (2)
Est: £100,000 - £150,000
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (BRITISH 1762-1822)A DOUBLE PORTRAIT OF TWO BOYS, ONE POINTING TO INDIA ON A GLOBE: A DOUBLE PORTRAIT OF TWO BOYS, PRACTICING ARCHERYOil on canvas, a pairThe former inscribed `Miss Kensington No.106' (on the reverse of the frame); and the latter inscribed `Miss Kensington No.105' (on the reverse of the frame)Each 79.4 x 56.5cm (31¼ x 22 in.) (2)Provenance:Private collection, UKPhilips, Son & Neale, 1st December 1969, lot 30Richard Green, LondonDr Norman PowerArthur William Devis inherited his talent from his father, the portrait painter Arthur Devis (1712-1787). He led an adventurous life and in 1782 was `appointed Draftsman by a private committee of the East India Company to pursue a voyage around the world' (2) aboard the Antelope. He was wounded by arrows in New Guinea and shipwrecked off the Palau Islands in the Pacific. Devis reached Calcutta in 1785, hoping to make his fortune as a portrait painter. Handsome, charming and generous, he plunged into the extravagant, febrile world of Calcutta society, where East India Company officials lived with all the elegance of Europe and the glamour of the East. One of Devis's first sitters was the Governor-General of Bengal, Warren Hastings and he went on to paint Marquess Cornwallis Receiving the Hostage Prince of Mysore before Seringapatam: and The Finding of the body of Tippoo Sahib, The Sultan of Mysore. Devis returned to England in 1795, intending to publish his series of twenty-six paintings of Indian Manufacturers. He built up his reputation as a portrait painter, often executing commissions for families with connections to India. He became renowned for portraits of children: his gentle, warm personality put them at their ease. Sydney Pavière, Devis's biographer, comments: 'That he was fond of little children cannot be doubted. He painted them so lovingly and well' (3) . This can be seen in the present pair of portraits of four brothers. The elder pair stand in an interior with a table globe and the younger of the two boys' points to India, making clear the family's connection with that country. The elder boys, engaged in learning about the world, have the gravity of approaching manhood. Their young brothers live still in a world of outdoor play and sunlight. They are depicted practicing archery in the shade of a huge tree, the vastness of which suggests the tropics and is similar to the Banyan Tree in Devis's portrait of Colin Shakespeare, of the Bengal Civil Service (4). Both portraits are inscribed `Miss Kensington' on the reverse of the frames. It is possible that the boys are members of the Kensington family who are recorded in Madras in the early nineteenth century. For example, Henry Kensington (d.1825) began his career as a Writer (or clerk, the first rung of an East India Company career) in 1808 and rose to be Registrar to the Provincial Court, Southern Division by 1822 . There may well have been earlier generations of the family living in India. Devis visited Madras in 1793.1. Sydney H Pavière, The Devis Family of Painters, Leigh-on-Sea 1950, p.102 2 Ibid p.1043 Ibid p.1134 Ibid p.114, no.134, plate 46
Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
Aug. 17, 2024
R. DUNKARTON (*1744) after DEVIS (*1762), Portrait of G. Lloyd Wardle (c. 1762-1833), 1809, Mezzoti
Est: €450 - €600
Robert Dunkarton (1744 London - 1811 ) after Arthur William Devis (1762 London - 1822 ibid.): Portrait of Gwyllym Lloyd Wardle (c 1762 - 1833 ), 1809, Mezzotint Technique: Mezzotint on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Engraved by R. Dunkarton / Painted by A.W. Devis, 1809.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "Gwillym Lloyd Wardle Esq. M.P. London Published June 24th, 1809, by T. Dunkarton N. 452. Strand". Date: 1809 Description: This work of art shows an elegant man whose self-confident demeanour and refined clothing indicate his high social status. In the background, astonishing landscape paintings adorn the scenery. The elements such as scrolls and books symbolise his intellectuality and social importance. Person: Depicted: Gwyllym Lloyd Wardle (around 1762 - 1833 ) Keywords: Portrait; Man; Landscape; Intellectuality; Society; Elegance; Nobility; Class; Books; Scrolls; Self-confidence; Painting; Clothing; Suit; Background; Artwork; Symbolism; Historical; Culture; Formal, 19th century, Classicism, Portraits, United Kingdom, Size: Paper: 53,5 cm x 37,3 cm (21,1 x 14,7 in), Plate: 50,4 cm x 35,2 cm (19,8 x 13,9 in), Depiction: 45,1 cm x 35,0 cm (17,8 x 13,8 in)
Fichter Kunsthandel
Mar. 12, 2024
Arthur William Devis (British, 1762-1822), 'The Weavers’, oil on canvas, 44 x 59.5cm
Est: £5,000 - £8,000
Arthur William Devis (British, 1762-1822) 'The Weavers' oil on canvas
Gorringes
Jun. 29, 2023
Arthur William Devis (1762 - 1822), A portrait of a young boy in an English landscape
Est: £1,500 - £2,500
Property of a gentleman collectorArthur William Devis (1762 - 1822)A portrait of a young boy in an English landscapeOil on canvasDimensions:(Canvas) 23.5 in. (H) x 19.25 in. (W)(Frame) 32 in. (H) x 28.5 in. (W)
Sloane Street Auctions
Jun. 27, 2023
Arthur William Devis (English, 1763-1822), Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Cockburn, watercolour, 42 x 31cm
Est: £800 - £1,200
Arthur William Devis (English, 1763-1822) Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Cockburn watercolour signed and dated 1797
Gorringes
Dec. 08, 2022
Portrait of a gentleman, traditionally called Robert Linney (d. 1809), in a landscape with an Indian temple in the background
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
The Property of a Gentleman Arthur William Devis London 1762 - 1822 Portrait of a gentleman, traditionally called Robert Linney (d. 1809), in a landscape with an Indian temple in the background oil on canvas unframed: 95 x 73 cm.; 37⅜ x 28¾ in. framed: 114 x 93.5 cm.; 44⅞ x 36¾ in. Bid on Sotheby's
Sotheby's
Oct. 21, 2022
Portrait of a Captain, possibly David Baird, half-length, before the fort at Srirangapatna
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
Property of a Private Collector Arthur William Devis London 1762 - 1822 Portrait of a Captain, possibly David Baird, half-length, before the fort at Srirangapatna oil on canvas canvas: 30 by 25 in.; 76.5 by 63.5 cm. framed: 38 by 33 in.; 97.5 by 85.7 cm. Bid on Sotheby's
Sotheby's
May. 27, 2022
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDON 1762-1822) Portrait of Miss Ann Goldsmid (1782
Est: £15,000 - £20,000
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDON 1762-1822) Portrait of Miss Ann Goldsmid (1782-1811), full-length, seated in a landscape,... oil on canvas 51 x 39 1/2 in. (129.5 x 100.5 cm.)
Christie's
May. 27, 2022
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDON 1762-1822) Portrait of Miss Hetty Goldsmid (17
Est: £15,000 - £20,000
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDON 1762-1822) Portrait of Miss Hetty Goldsmid (1798-1816), as a young girl, full-length, in a... oil on canvas 36 x 26 1/2 in. (91.5 x 67.5 cm.)
Christie's
May. 27, 2022
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDON 1762-1822) Portrait of the children of Benjami
Est: £80,000 - £120,000
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDON 1762-1822) Portrait of the children of Benjamin Goldsmid, with a pony and a dog in a... oil on canvas 84 1/2 x 104 in. (215 x 264 cm.)
Christie's
May. 13, 2022
After Arthur William Devis, (British 1763-1822), Portrait of Admiral Peter Rainier, Oil on canvas; also with two paper labels on verso attributing the work to Gilbert Stuart, 30 x 25 in (76.2 x 63.5 cm)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
After Arthur William Devis (British, 1763-1822) Portrait of Admiral Peter Rainier Oil on canvas; also with two paper labels on verso attributing the work to Gilbert Stuart Unsigned
Weschler's
Apr. 23, 2022
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS. Officer of the Light Horse Vols. of London, c. 1805
Est: $6,000 - $12,000
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS, RA (1762-1822), Attributed. An Officer of the Light Horse Volunteers of London and Westminster, c. 1805. Oil on canvas, 31-1/2 x 25 inches, within a fine, early 19th century, gilt composition frame. Born in London, the 19th child of artist Arthur Devis followed his father’s career path. He came to the notice of Sir Joshua Reynolds at the Free Society of Artists and the Royal Academy. He is noted for his involvement in the creation of the posthumous cult of Horatio Nelson. As the flagship VICTORY returned from Trafalgar, Devis went out to meet her and was during the shipboard autopsy of Nelson. With the help of sketches that he took at that time, Devis painted a heroic Death of Nelson, which proved a sensation and from which a popular print was published. This fine portrait dates from the same period as his portraits of Lord Nelson and depicts a member of the elite volunteer cavalry unit, the Light Horse Volunteers of London and Westminster, which was composed of the wealthiest young members of London society. When a new member joined the corps, he was given the honor of a court introduction to King George III, a distinction afforded to no other military unit. The sitter is depicted not only with his saber at side, but also with one of the unit’s pattern horse pistols thrust into the swordbelt. His pouch belt bears the distinctive silver plate of the unit, while the unit’s name encircles the front of his bearskin-crested light dragoon helmet. This rather unusual pose, purposely showing all of the trappings of this elite corps, may have been commissioned by the London and Westminster Horse to purposely document its uniform and arms.
Casco Bay Auctions
Dec. 14, 2021
Portrait of Emily Shakespear, full-length, sitting on a bench under a tree by the Hooghly river in India, holding a book
Est: £6,000 - £8,000
Arthur William Devis London 1762 - 1822 Portrait of Emily Shakespear, full-length, sitting on a bench under a tree by the Hooghly river in India, holding a book oil on canvas unframed: 94.2 x 73.8 cm.; 37⅛ x 29 in. framed: 118.1 x 97.3 cm.; 46½ x 38⅜ in.
Sotheby's
Dec. 14, 2021
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822)-circle
Est: €1,600 - €3,200
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822)-circle, Meeting of Indian and English soldiers at night; with honourables and troops; probably scene from the 1st Indian British War; oil on canvas. 203X150cm
Deutsch Auktionen
Oct. 26, 2021
Circle of Arthur William Devis (London 1763-1822) Portrait of a gentleman, possibly Judge James Ball, and his dog, seated before a landscape
Est: £3,000 - £5,000
Circle of Arthur William Devis (London 1763-1822) Portrait of a gentleman, possibly Judge James Ball, and his dog, seated before a landscape oil on canvas 88.8 x 70.8cm (34 15/16 x 27 7/8in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Jul. 09, 2021
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDON 1762-1822) Portrait of a Lieutenant of the 14t
Est: £7,000 - £10,000
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDON 1762-1822) Portrait of a Lieutenant of the 14th Buckinghamshire Regiment of Foot,... oil on canvas 28 x 24 1/8 in. (71.2 x 61.6 cm.)
Christie's
Jun. 12, 2021
A VINTAGE FRAMED LITHOGRAPH AFTER ARTHUR DEVIS
Est: $100 - $150
Vintage reproduction print of the late 18th-century painting: Master James Alexander Simpson by the English painter Arthur William Devis (1762 – 1822). Indistinctly signed in pencil lower right. Framed.
Antique Arena Inc
Mar. 16, 2021
DEATH OF LORD NELSON ANTIQUE ENGRAVING, 1812
Est: $10 - $1,000
Antique engraving after Arthur William Devis, English (1762-1822). Engraved by William Bromley and published by Josiah Boydell, March 2, 1812. Titled "The Death of Horatio Viscount & Baron Nelson of the Nile", depicting the death of Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. Presented in an impressive gilt hand-carved period frame with image key and additional information mounted to a concealed sliding panel at bottom. Drop-down image key identifies each individual surrounding Lord Nelson as he lay dying after battle. Provenance from The Philadelphia Print shop on verso. Dimensions: (Frame) H 23" x W 28.25" (Sight) H 19" x W 24" Condition: Losses and damage to frame. Minor yellowing to print consistent with age.
Westport Auction
Nov. 04, 2020
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822),
Est: £10,000 - £15,000
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) Thomas Marriott, Magistrate at Burdwan with extensive inscription 'Thomas Marriott / Magistrate at Burdwan / Died 1827. ./ Grandfather to Charlotte Mary Denman. ... done by / Chinnery' on the reverse oil on canvas 29 1/2 x 21 1/2 in. (75 x 55 cm.) ,
Christie's
Sep. 23, 2020
Attributed to Arthur William Devis (1762-1822)
Est: £400 - £600
Attributed to Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) Attributed to Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) Portrait of Horatia Nelson, as a young girl, head and shoulders, wearing a coral necklace oil on panel 28 x 26cm The attribution has been suggested by Martyn Downer.
Sworders
Jun. 16, 2020
Attribué à Arthur William DEVIS Londres, 1762 - 1822 Portrait présumé d'Elisabeth Calvet avec son petit chien Huile sur toile (Toile..
Est: €3,000 - €4,000
Attribué à Arthur William DEVIS Londres, 1762 - 1822 Portrait présumé d'Elisabeth Calvet avec son petit chien Huile sur toile (Toile d'origine) Annotée 'Philpot / anne (?) Wife of Fist Calvet / (7th Generation - Albury) / Born / Died' et 'Painted in Bengal / by Devis / 1787' au verso Presumed portrait of Elisabeth Calvet with her dog, oil on canvas, inscribed and dated, attr. to A. W. Devis h: 103 w: 65 cm Estimation 3 000 - 4 000 €
Artcurial
Oct. 29, 2019
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) - The Snakecharmer
Est: £30,000 - £50,000
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) The Snakecharmer oil on canvas 30 ¾ x 21 ¾in. (78.1 x 5.2cm.)
Christie's
May. 01, 2019
Arthur William Devis (London 1762-1822) Portrait of Martin Farquhar Tupper
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
Arthur William Devis (London 1762-1822) Portrait of Martin Farquhar Tupper (1810-1889), half-length oil on canvas 30 ¼ x 25 ¼ in. (76.8 x 64.2 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 14, 2018
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) - The Snakecharmer
Est: £50,000 - £70,000
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) The Snakecharmer oil on canvas 30 ¾ x 21 ¾in. (78.1 x 55.2cm.)
Christie's
Mar. 17, 2016
CIRCLE OF ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (1766-1822) FULL LENGTH PORTRAIT OF AN ARMY OFFICER
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
CIRCLE OF ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (1766-1822) FULL LENGTH PORTRAIT OF AN ARMY OFFICER oil on canvas in a period hand carved guilt frame 77cm by 63cm; 30 1/2in by 24 3/4in
Olympia Auctions
Oct. 09, 2015
AN APOTHECARY'S SHOP
Est: £5,000 - £8,000
AN APOTHECARY'S SHOP SIGNED ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (1762-1822), BENGAL, EASTERN INDIA, CIRCA 1792 Oil on canvas, the apothecary shown in his shop, the shelving and table covered in vials, vases and urns, framed 19 x 26in. (48 x 66cm.)
Christie's
Jul. 10, 2015
Portrait of Admiral Peter Rainier (1741-1808), bust-length, in naval uniform and wearing a blue and white cameo and circular spectacles
Est: £10,000 - £15,000
Arthur William Devis (London 1762-1822) Portrait of Admiral Peter Rainier (1741-1808), bust-length, in naval uniform and wearing a blue and white cameo and circular spectacles oil on canvas, unlined 14 x 12 1/8 in. (35.6 x 30.8 cm.) in its original composition frame with an autograph note signed (‘B.W. Page’), giving a short biographical account of the distinguished life of Admiral Peter Rainier and a note on Page’s commission of ‘the above little sketch’ of his former shipmate, one page, 4to (laid down on the reverse of Rainier’s portrait).
Christie's
Jul. 10, 2015
Portrait of Horatio, Viscount Nelson, K.B., Vice-Admiral of the White (1758–1805), half-length, in Vice-Admiral's undress uniform, cocked hat with black silk cockade and green eyeshade, with the stars of the Bath, the St. Ferdinand and the Crescent
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
Arthur William Devis (London 1762-1822) Portrait of Horatio, Viscount Nelson, K.B., Vice-Admiral of the White (1758–1805), half-length, in Vice-Admiral's undress uniform, cocked hat with black silk cockade and green eyeshade, with the stars of the Bath, the St. Ferdinand and the Crescent oil on canvas, unlined 14 x 12 1/8 in. (35.6 x 30.8 cm.) in its original composition frame with an autograph letter signed by Nelson to Captain Page, Piccadilly, 4 March 1803, recommending a friend’s godson, and hoping that Page is enjoying his new command, the HMS Caroline, one page (seal tear, browned, laid down on paper)
Christie's
Sep. 10, 2013
Attributed to Arthur William Devis, British
Est: £1,500 - £2,000
Attributed to Arthur William Devis, British 1762-1822- Portrait of Thomas Henry Davies, Advocate General of Calcutta, 1751-1792, seated half length turned to the right holding a document; oil on canvas, bears remains of label for W Freeman & Son, Picture Restorers, 43-44 Albemarle St, London attached to the reverse, 30x25cm, (unframed) Provenance: Thomas Davies is a direct descendant to the current owner, he is the great great great great grandfather of the current owner. He was the Advocat general in India to Warren Hastings who was the first Govenor General of Bengal 1772-1785. Been in the family since the late 18th early 19th century at the time of production.
Roseberys
Jun. 11, 2013
Attributed to Arthur William Devis, British
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
Attributed to Arthur William Devis, British 1762-1822- Portrait of Thomas Henry Davies, Advocate General of Calcutta, 1751-1792, seated half length turned to the right holding a document; oil on canvas, bears remains of label for W. Freeman & Son, Picture Restorers, 43-44 Albemarle St, London attached to the reverse, 30x25cm, (unframed)
Roseberys
Jun. 05, 2013
Arthur William Devis (London 1762-1822)
Est: -
Arthur William Devis (London 1762-1822) Portrait of Martin Farquar Tupper, three-quarter-length oil on canvas 30¼ x 25¼ in. (76.8 x 64.1 cm.)
Christie's
Oct. 15, 2008
Arthur William Devis (London 1763-1822) Porträt
Est: €6,000 - €8,000
Arthur William Devis (London 1763-1822) Porträt eines jungen Herren, rechts unten (auf dem Knopf) monogrammiert "A. D.", Öl auf Leinwand, 76,5 x 63,2 cm, gerahmt, (Wo)
Dorotheum
Jun. 05, 2008
- Arthur William Devis , 1763-1822 Portrait of a Lady oil on canvas, held in a British Rococo style frame
Est: £25,000 - £35,000
Full length, standing, wearing a white dress and blue shawl, her arm resting against a tree, an extensive lakeside landscape beyond oil on canvas, held in a British Rococo style frame
Sotheby's
Jan. 24, 2008
Arthur William Devis , London 1763-1822 Portrait of Adam Atkinson of Torbottle oil on canvas, laid down on board
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
signed lower left A.W. Devis Calcutta 1789 oil on canvas, laid down on board
Sotheby's
Sep. 15, 2007
AFTER ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (English, 1763-1822). YOUNG LADY IN BLUE BONNET, oil on panel.
Est: $400 - $600
AFTER ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (English, 1763-1822). YOUNG LADY IN BLUE BONNET, oil on panel - 11 in. x 9 in.
Sloans & Kenyon
Jul. 06, 2007
Portrait of Major John Bradford (1758/59-1841), half-length, in the uniform of the 21st Bengal Native Infantry, with the Taj Mahal beyond
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
Arthur William Devis (London 1762-1822) Portrait of Major John Bradford (1758/59-1841), half-length, in the uniform of the 21st Bengal Native Infantry, with the Taj Mahal beyond signed and dated 'A.W.Devis Pinx 1808' (lower left) oil on canvas 30½ x 25½ in. (77.5 x 64.8 cm.)
Christie's
Mar. 07, 2007
Le travail du linge
Est: €4,000 - €6,000
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDRES 1763-1822) Le travail du linge Huile sur toile 45 x 71 cm. (17¾ x 28 in.)
Christie's
Mar. 07, 2007
Femmes en train de filer
Est: €4,000 - €6,000
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (LONDRES 1763-1822) Femmes en train de filer Huile sur toile 42 x 60 cm. (16½ x 23 5/8 in.)
Christie's
Jan. 26, 2006
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS LONDON 1763-1822
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN measurements note 36 by 28 in.; 91.4 by 71.2 cm. full length, standing, holding a hat in his hand, a beach beyond oil on canvas
Sotheby's
Jan. 26, 2006
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS LONDON 1763-1822
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
PORTRAIT OF A NAVAL OFFICER measurements note 36 by 28 in.; 91.4 by 71.2 cm. full length, standing, leaning on a sword, a naval skirmish beyond oil on canvas
Sotheby's
Sep. 23, 2005
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822)
Est: £70,000 - £100,000
Portrait of Judge Suetonius Grant Heatly and Temperance Heatly with their Indian servants, in an interior in Calcutta oil on canvas 39 1/2 x 45 in. (100.3 x 114.3 cm.)
Christie's
Jul. 06, 2005
Arthur William Devis (London 1762-1822)
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
Portrait of a gentleman, standing small-full-length, in a green coat with cream breeches his hand resting on a rifle, a spaniel at his side, a view to a gopuram of a Southern Indian temple beyond oil on canvas 92 x 69 cm. (36 1/8 x 27 1/8 in.)
Bonhams
Mar. 22, 2005
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS 1763-1822 PORTRAIT OF THOMAS HENRY DAVIES (1751 - 1792)
Est: £6,000 - £8,000
half length, wearing a brown coat and a white waistcoat oil on canvas, painted as an oval PROVENANCE By descent in the family of the sitter at Elmley Castle, Worcestershire. CATALOGUE NOTE The sitter was the son of Thomas Davies of New House, Herefordshire, and his wife Mary Warburton. He travelled out to India and rose rapidly in prominence largely through his successful opposition to a Government bye-law which would have been to the detriment of the commercial community in Bengal. William Hickey wrote approvingly of him in his Memoirs: "He was eloquent, quick, and possessed of splendid natural talents improved by the best education and much reading". The Supreme Government of Calcutta nominated him to the post of Advocate-General, a post which he held with great distinction. He was also a friend of Warren Hastings. On 9th April 1788 he married Anna, daughter of Hugh Baillie of Monckton, Ayrshire
Sotheby's
Jun. 11, 2002
ARTHUR WILLIAM DEVIS (1762-1822)
Est: $5,960 - $8,940
PORTRAIT OF CAPTAIN THOMAS DAVID LAMB, M.P. (1775-1818), OF MOUNTSFIELD LODGE, RYE, HALF-LENGTH, IN THE UNIFORM OF THE CINQUE PORTS FENCIBLE CAVALRY OIL ON CANVAS 301/4 X 25 IN. (77 X 63.5 CM.) PROVENANCE BY INHERITANCE IN THE FAMILY OF THE SITTER UNTIL 1999. LITERATURE COL. E. FAZAN, CINQUE PORTS BATTALION, 1971, ILLUSTRATED. NOTES THE SITTER'S FATHER WAS THE GOVERNMENT MANAGER AT RYE AND A FRIEND OF CHARLES JENKINSON, 1ST EARL OF LIVERPOOL. THE SITTER WENT TO CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD, AT THE SAME TIME AS ROBERT BANKES JENKINSON, LATER 2ND EARL OF LIVERPOOL, AND PRIME MINISTER. HE TOOK TWO COMMISSIONS IN THE CINQUE PORTS FENCIBLE CAVALRY WHICH WAS COMMANDED BY ROBERT BANKES JENKINSON, AND IN THIS PORTRAIT IS SHOWN AS A LIEUTENANT-CAPTAIN OF THAT MILITIA. IT IS THE ONLY KNOWN REPRESENTATION OF AN OFFICER OF THIS CORPS. LAMB BECAME JENKINSON'S PRIVATE SECRETARY IN 1801, WAS ELECTED MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR RYE IN 1803, AND WAS LATER MAYOR OF RYE IN 1810. A PORTRAIT OF HIS GRANDFATHER, THOMAS LAMB (1719-1804), BY ALLAN RAMSAY IS IN THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND (NG 2545) AND HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH LORD HAWKESBURY IS IN THE BRITISH LIBRARY. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO PETER WALTON FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN THE CATALOGUING OF THIS LOT.
Christie's
Sep. 27, 2001
Arthur William Devis (1762-1822)
Est: $43,800 - $73,000
A gentleman wild boar-hunting in an Indian landscape oil on canvas 273/4 x 35 in. (70.5 x 89 cm.) PROVENANCE Arthur Spencer, The Siddons Galleries; Christie's, London, 5 October 1956, lot 144 (30 gns.) as by Zoffany, to Sir Arthur Penn and then by descent to the present owner. NOTES The sport of wild boar-hunting, or pigsticking as it was later called was adopted enthusiastically by the British. The Moghuls used to hunt carnivorous game with a spear as a test of princely manhood. Boar-hunting was a perilous sport, which involved hurling spears from horse-back at passing wild boars. The picture is an early record of an English gentleman participating in the sport. Devis was in India between 1784 and 1795. During his stay in Calcutta and its environs, he built up an enviable reputation as a portrait painter. He executed individual portraits of Company servants in a variety of different poses, often relaxing in outdoor settings, much as gentleman of leisure would have liked to be painted in England. This picture reflects the ease in which the sitter felt at home in this foreign land. A picture by the artist showing a similar subject in the Harris Art Gallery in Preston depicts John Addison, the Resident Judge of Murshidabad out tiger-shooting. The style of the landscape compares to his famous Arts and Manufactures of Bengal series painted between 1785-1790.
Christie's