PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN - BY SIR WILLIAM BEECHEY R.A

Early 19th century three quarter portrait of a gentleman traditionally identified as Mr Mears firmly attributed to Sir William Beechey R.A. Housed in a period gilt frame with a fluted inner and raked knoll outer.

Sir William Beechey (1753 - 1845) Born at Burford, Oxfordshire, Beechey was interested in painting from an early age, and was admitted to the Royal Academy Schools in 1772. Initially he specialised in small-scale full-length portraits. Between 1782 and 1787 he lived in Norwich, and eventually painted four works for the collection of civic portraits hung in St Andrew's Hall in the city.

Beechey returned to London in 1787. and came to the notice of the royal family, and in 1793 painted a full-length picture of Queen Charlotte, who appointed him her official portrait painter. The painting which gained him his knighthood was his portrait of George III and the Prince of Wales reviewing troops was destroyed in the 1992 Windsor Castle fire. He had many celebrated sitters including Lord Nelson, John Kemble and Sarah Siddons. 

John Mears (1756-1809)
Although traditionally identified as the navigator, explorer, and maritime fur trader, best known for his role in the Nootka Crisis, which brought Britain and Spain to the brink of war, this now seems unlikely. The sitter in this portrait is the subject go ongoing research.

Higher resolution images on request. 
Worldwide shipping available.

Canvas: 30" x 25" / 76cm x 63cm.
Frame: 36" x 32" / 92cm x 81cm. 
Internal Ref: 00035

SOLD.