Portrait of the artist Joseph Powell, P.R.I. (1780-1834), seated three-quarter-length, a folio beside him, a pen in his hand

Details

George Patten, A.R.A. (1801-1865)
Portrait of the artist Joseph Powell, P.R.I. (1780-1834), seated three-quarter-length, a folio beside him, a pen in his hand
oil on canvas
39 x 32 in. (99 x 81.3 cm.)

Provenance

Diploma Gallery of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water-Colours.

Literature

C. Reginald Grundy, The Royal Institute Centenary, Connoisseur, Vol. 87, March 1931, illus. p. 139.
Le Bulletin de l'Art Ancien et Moderne, (supplement) Revue de l'Art, Vol. LIX, Janvier-Mai 1931, illus. p. 223.
Jonathan Mayne, Joseph Powell, Burlington Magazine, Vol. XC, September 1948, p. 268.

Exhibited

Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, Diploma Work.

Special Notice

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Lot Essay

Joseph Powell was a London painter of portraits, genre and classical subjects, mainly in watercolour, exhibiting at the Royal Academy for over 30 years. Beyond his artistic achievements he will primarily be remembered for his role in founding the New Society of Painters in Watercolours, or N.W.S. in 1831 (subsequently known as the R.I.). He became their first president in 1832, and it is believed this portrait was commissioned on this occasion.

George Patten started his career as miniaturist before returning to the RA schools in 1828 to learn how to paint in oils. He made his reputation painting portraits for presentation to institutions and this can be regarded as a prime example of his output in this genre.

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