Possibly John McEwan, 1832 - 1875
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1870 - 1899
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
749 x 610 mm (29 1/2 x 24 in)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1246555
Summary
Oil painting on canvas. A half-length portrait of a middle-aged man, turned slightly to the left, gazing at the spectator, seated, with a brown beard, in a brown jacket, white shirt and blue bow tie and wearing a dark brown fur hat/smoking cap. John McEwan. William McEwan's brother, died in the Royal Edinburgh Asylum after suffering from tuberculosis for twelve years, this disease would have ravaged his appearance. The McEwan family could have chosen the cabinet card (NT 1248335) as a basis of a memorial portrait (NT 1246555). In the photograph the subject looks unwell, his beard is notably unkept and greying. In the oil painting of this image the artist has made him look younger, smarter and healthier.
Provenance
The bequest of Margaret (Anderson) McEwan, The Hon. Mrs Ronald - later Dame Margaret - Henry Fulke Greville, DBE (1863-1942) from probate records linked with the donation of the property to the National Trust in 1943. This item found on the record for Polesden Lacey pictures, drawings etc., stored in the cellar, page 163.
Credit line
Polesden Lacey, The McEwan Collection (National Trust)
Marks and inscriptions
T. ALEXANDER HILL. / [Late of 67 Princes St] / Carver, Gilder and Picture Frame Maker, / Artists' Colourman to the Royal Scottish Academy, / PRINTSELLER AND PUBLISHER to Her Majesty. / 145 Princes Street, EDINBURGH / Oil Paintings, Engravings, etc Cleaned and Restored (printed label on reverse)
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist