Lot 414
Sir Francis Grant, PRA (Scottish, 1803-1878), "William Thomas Markham", c. 1850, oil on canvas, unsigned, with a "Pitt & Scott LTD / London" label en verso, 30 1/8 in. x 25 1/8 in., in an attractive antique carved, gessoed, and giltwood frame.
PLEASE NOTE: Provenance: Descended in the Family of the Sitter; then to present owner. Note: The Edinburgh born Grant was a predominantly self-trained artist, having received only rudimentary drawing lessons as a child. Originally intending on a career in law, he soon realized his temperament and talents lay in painting. Grant began producing well-received sporting pictures, but it was an 1842 portrait that revealed his true abilities. Soon highly sought after as a portraitist, Grant received commissions from numerous members of the aristocracy including Queen Victoria. He had his first exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1834, becoming an Associate in 1842 and a full Academician in 1851. From 1866-1878 he was the President of the Academy - the first and only Scot to hold that prestigious position. The sitter of the present lot is the painter's son-in law. Employing a deep, rich color palette and sure brush stroke, Grant deftly captures the dignity and bearing of the military officer. The artist's companion portrait of his daughter, Anne Emily Grant Markham, hangs in the National Gallery of Scotland.
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