Lot 22: EDWARD HENRY CORBOULD R.I. (BRITISH, 1815-1905)

EDWARD HENRY CORBOULD R.I. (BRITISH, 1815-1905) PORTRAITS OF MR JOHN AND MRS MARTHA SNEPP the first signed and dated 'EDWARD HY. CORBOULD/pinxit. June 1855' c.l; the second 'EDWARD HY. CORBOULD/JULY 1855' c.l; oil on canvas the first: 105cm x 81cm; 41 1/4in x 31 3/4in the second: 105cm x 81cm; 41 1/4in x 31 3/4in John and Martha Snepp lived in Haremere Hall, Etchingham, Sussex. Mr Snepp was church warden at Etchingham and it is possible that Corbould came into contact with the couple when he returned home to organise his father's funeral arrangements. Edward Henry Corbould was born into an artistic family, his grandfather, father and uncle having all been painters and illustrators. Corbould's speciality throughout his career was watercolour, concentrating on literary and historical subjects. The Woman Taken in Adultery was bought by Prince Albert in 1842 initiating a long association between Corbould and the Royal Family. In 1851 Corbould was appointed Instructor of Historical Painting to the Royal Family.