About this piece
back to topA fascinating 19th century English School oil on board portrait of Shakespeare, possibly after the Chandos portrait attributed to John Taylor; one of 11 similar portraits of eminent personages we are selling.
Painted in oils, these portraits capture each character in fine detail before a dark background, each wearing notable clothing and headpieces.
While some figures are unidentified, this one is clearly a depiction of 16th century playwright and poet, William Shakespeare. In this portrait, Shakespeare is painted as he is often seen in portraiture with his pointed moustache and large forehead. He wears a white linen collar with loose ties and a black overcoat.
Though the maker is unknown, the eleven oil portraits are undoubtedly by the same artist as they share the same stylistic details. Each is mounted in alike ebony and gilded frames, making them perfect for use as a set or in pairs. You can just imagine the complete set of portraits mounted along the walls of a long hallway in a large old 18th century or earlier mansion!
Provenance:
The collection of Mr & Mrs Gerald Scarfe. Possibly Edwards & Son (according to Sotheby’s, 2020).
Exhibited:
Decorating the Royal Pavilion for The Royal Show, Warwick, June 1892.
Plucknett & Co. Showrooms, Warwick, 1892-1908 (present portraits supplied by Plucknett of Warwick, with their labels on reverse).