SIR WILLIAM BEECHEY R.A (1753-1839) - PORTRAIT OF WILLIAM PERRYN OF LANGTON.

Fine quality early 19th century portrait of William Perryn of Langton by Sir William Beechey R.A (1753-1839).

The dashing grey haired sitter is depicted half -length within an extensive landscape. He wears the traditional costume of affluent gentleman of the period, namely a dark double breasted velvet jacket over a white shirt and extravagant bowed stock. Behind him fields, trees and a river. extend into the distance, where the steeple of a church can also be glimpsed.

Sir William Beechey R. A (1753-1839) Beechey was born in Burford, Oxfordshire. After his father’s death (1789) he was raised by his uncle and initially apprenticed to a firm of solicitors. In 1772 he moved to London to enter the Royal Academy Schools. He soon married and his children include painter and explorer Henry William. From c.1782 he worked in Norwich, returning to London in 1787. Beechey was a widow by 1793, when he married miniature painter Anne Phyllis Jessop.

In 1794 he became a member of the Royal Academy, received a knighthood and exhibited ‘His Majesty Reviewing the Third Dragoon Guards’, his most celebrated work. He was named portrait painter to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Principle Portrait Painter to William IV before his death aged 85.

Beechey has a particularly refined, elegant style of neoclassicism which he evoked through his use of darker backgrounds to highlight his sitters captured in tranquil colours. The artist reached the peak of his career when he came to the attention of the royal family. Both King George III and his wife, Queen Charlotte, found Beechey’s style incredibly appealing. He was appointed portrait painter to Queen Charlotte, a promotion which in turn rewarded Beechey with membership to the Royal Academy.

The artists work under King George III is often considered his best. sadly his most famous work of King George III (for which he was knighted) was lost to the fire at Windsor Castle in 1992.

This fine portrait endures and is presented in an excellent state of conservation ready to purchase and enjoy in its fine original carved and gilded Carlo Maratta frame which has been sympathetically refinished.

Higher Resolution images on request. Worldwide shipping available.

Canvas: 30.5" x 25.5" / 78cm x 65cm. Frame: 36.5" x 23.5" / 93cm x 80cm

Price: £6800