Lot 521: Edward Mathew Ward, R.A. (British, 1816-1879),

Edward Mathew Ward, R.A. (British, 1816-1879), "Marie Antoinette's Farewell to the Dauphin", watercolor, ink, and gouache on board laid down on masonite, signed lower right, 15 1/2 in. x 15 1/2 in., attractively framed. Provenance: Christie's London, June 18, 1985 as lot 34; Sotheby's New York, July 16, 1998 as lot 1619 Note: A member of a prominent English literary family, Ward revealed an artistic proclivity at an early age. As a child he supplied the illustrations for his uncles' books, and at the age of 14 he was awarded a silver medal from the Society of Arts. Ward attended the Royal Academy Schools and was a recipient of a medal from the Academy of St. Luke in Rome. While in Rome he began to create grand historicizing scenes that were enthusiastically received by the public and critics alike. He eventually chose to concentrate on depictions of politically significant 18th and 19th century events. In this elaborately composed painting, Ward depicts the poignant moment, shortly after the execution of Louis XVI, when the young dauphin is forcibly removed from his mother's care; it is the last time they will see each other. Reference: Bénézit. Dictionnaire des Peintres, Librairie Grund, 1976, vol. X, p. 636.