Lot 783: George Frederick Bird, British 1883-1948- "David

George Frederick Bird, British 1883-1948- "David Playing to Saul", 1905; oil on canvas, in a good 19th century gilt composition frame, 126.5x101cm, (may be subject to Droit de Suite) Note: Bird was a portrait painter and winner of the Students Royal Academy Medal in 1905. He exhibited at the RA from 1914 and in Paris from 1924. Purportedly the picture was originally purchased directly from the artist's family where it was owned first by the artist's sister and then his nephew. It was painted at the house of the artist's father (George William Bird) - The Manor House, West Wickham, Kent in 1905. The sitters were a professional model, as David, the family's coachman known as 'Old Froggins' as Saul, and the estates' gardeners as the centurions. It is believed the reaseon the artist did not sign the painting was since it was a family gift.