{"title":"English Portrait Paintings","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEnglish Portrait Paintings and the Art of Presence\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnglish portrait paintings occupy a distinctive place in the history of fine art because they balance likeness, psychology and social meaning with remarkable subtlety. Whether formal or intimate, these works were often made to preserve more than appearance alone. They record how a sitter wished to be seen, how an artist interpreted character and how a particular moment in English cultural life was understood through dress, gesture and setting. At M.S. Rau, our collection of English portrait paintings is assembled with an eye toward quality, condition and the kind of painterly conviction that allows a portrait to remain compelling long after its original context has passed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors exploring related works may also enjoy our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/pages\/fine-art-collection\"\u003eFine Art Collection\u003c\/a\u003e, where portraiture sits within a broader conversation about movement, subject and artistic tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy English Portraiture Holds a Special Place\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePortrait painting developed into one of the defining strengths of British art. Across the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, artists working in England refined a portrait language that could accommodate aristocratic grandeur, literary intelligence, childhood tenderness and the quieter authority of merchant and professional life. That range is part of the appeal. English portrait paintings can feel stately without becoming remote, and many of the strongest examples reveal a close attention to expression, posture and atmosphere rather than relying on costume alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor collectors, this makes the category especially rewarding. A strong English portrait often offers immediate visual presence while also rewarding slower looking. The best examples reveal the confidence of the artist’s hand in the face, the treatment of fabric, the orchestration of color and the way the sitter is placed within space. Those details separate decorative likeness from truly persuasive portraiture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStyle, Period and Artistic Character\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnglish portrait paintings span multiple artistic sensibilities. Earlier works may carry the gravity and restraint associated with court and aristocratic portraiture, while later examples can feel lighter, more natural and more responsive to changing ideas about individuality and domestic life. Some portraits emphasize refinement through muted color and careful composition. Others depend on lively brushwork, stronger contrasts or a more direct engagement with the sitter’s personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause the category is broad, period matters. Collectors often look closely at how a work handles costume, background and pose, but they also pay attention to whether the painting’s overall feeling aligns with the era it suggests. The strongest works tend to feel coherent in both style and execution. Collectors interested in more classically structured figure painting may also wish to explore \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/academic\"\u003eAcademic Art\u003c\/a\u003e, where finish, draftsmanship and compositional discipline play an important role.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat to Look for in Quality\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuality in English portrait paintings is rarely a matter of one detail alone. The face is central, but the surrounding decisions matter just as much. Serious collectors look for convincing anatomy, measured transitions in flesh tones, articulate hands and a composition that feels stable rather than stiff. Eyes should feel alive rather than merely descriptive. Clothing should support the sitter’s presence instead of competing with it. Even when a background is understated, it should contribute to the mood and structure of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition is equally important. Portraits often have complex passages of glaze, delicate tonal shifts and darker areas that can be vulnerable to past restoration or heavy cleaning. Surface stability, the integrity of the paint layer and the quality of any conservation deserve close attention. A portrait may remain visually strong with appropriate age-related wear, but condition should always be considered in relation to rarity, authorship and overall artistic merit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Appeal of Character and Likeness\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne reason collectors return to portraiture is that it offers a different kind of engagement from landscape or still life. A portrait creates a relationship between viewer and subject. Some English portraits project formality and distance. Others feel open, searching or unexpectedly intimate. That emotional register matters. A memorable portrait does not simply identify a sitter. It suggests a temperament, a social role or a state of mind, often through very controlled means.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is part of why English portrait paintings work so well within broader collections. They can anchor a room, introduce a human presence into a grouping of objects or create a compelling contrast with decorative arts, landscapes or sculpture. They also invite repeated viewing, since expression and mood often reveal themselves gradually.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDisplaying English Portrait Paintings\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePortraits tend to reward thoughtful placement. The direction of the sitter’s gaze, the scale of the figure and the tonal balance of the painting all affect how the work will read in a room. Larger portraits can command a formal interior, while smaller works often create a more intimate experience in studies, libraries or private rooms. Light is especially important. Too much glare can flatten surface nuance, while overly dim placement can obscure the subtleties of modeling that give a portrait life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors should also consider framing, which can shape how the painting is perceived. A frame should feel sympathetic to the work’s age and tone without overwhelming it. Preservation matters as well. Stable environmental conditions and professional handling help protect both the paint surface and the support over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEnglish Portrait Paintings at M.S. Rau\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eM.S. Rau approaches English portrait paintings with a collector’s respect for craftsmanship, condition and historical nuance. Our specialists look for works that stand on their own visually while also fitting meaningfully within the wider tradition of European portraiture. Whether a collector is seeking a commanding formal likeness or a more intimate work with quieter character, the goal is always the same: to present paintings chosen for quality, authenticity and lasting visual interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany collectors who browse English portrait paintings online are looking for more than a decorative image. They want a work with authority, beauty and the capacity to deepen a collection. That is the standard that guides our selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions About English Portrait Paintings\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat defines an English portrait painting? In general, the category refers to portrait works created in England or closely tied to English artistic traditions, often emphasizing likeness, status, character and a carefully controlled relationship between sitter and setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy do collectors value portrait paintings? Portraits offer a direct human presence that few other categories provide. The best examples combine technical skill with psychological depth, making them both visually powerful and intellectually engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat periods are most sought after in English portraiture? Interest varies by collector, but works from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries are often especially admired for their craftsmanship, historical resonance and variety of style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow can I judge quality in a portrait? Start with the face, hands and overall composition. Strong works usually show confident drawing, nuanced color, believable expression and a clear sense of artistic intention throughout the painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDoes condition matter differently for portraits than for other paintings? Condition always matters, but portraits often depend on subtle surface modeling and delicate transitions, so overcleaning or poorly judged restoration can be especially disruptive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCan English portrait paintings work in contemporary interiors? Yes. A well-chosen portrait can bring depth, scale and individuality to a contemporary space, especially when its visual presence is balanced with thoughtful placement and lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"portrait-of-francis-bennett-by-thomas-gainsborough","title":"Portrait of Francis Bennett by Thomas Gainsborough","description":"Thomas Gainsborough\u003cbr\u003e 1727–1788 | English \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePortrait of Francis Bennett (1712-1790)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptionally rare portrait was composed by renowned British painter Thomas Gainsborough, one of the most recognizable names in 18th-century art. This masterwork was painted in Bath in 1766, during one of the most significant artistic periods of Gainsborough's career. Just three years later, in 1769, he was invited to become a founding member of the Royal Academy, one of the highest honors a British painter could achieve. With its fluidity of line and boldness of color, \u003cem\u003ePortrait of Francis Bennett (1712-1790)\u003c\/em\u003e reveals the artist's shift away from the more realistic style of his early output toward the elegant grandeur that characterizes his later oeuvre. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Francis Bennett, like Gainsborough himself, prospered thanks to the huge expansion of Bath as a spa town in the 18th century. Born in Bath in 1712, he established himself as a linen and wool draper who counted the elite of the town—including Gainsborough himself—among his clientele. A slightly earlier portrait of Bennett in a blue waistcoat was formerly in the collection of the late Viscount Cowdray at Cowdray Park. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in 1727 in Suffolk, Gainsborough was the leading portrait painter of the 18th century, alongside Sir Joshua Reynolds, his main rival. Though Gainsborough originally set up his studio in Ipswich in 1752, he later moved to Bath, where he achieved considerable success. A favorite of the aristocracy as a portrait painter, Gainsborough was equally at home painting landscapes and pastoral idylls, presenting nobility, the working class and nature with the same extraordinary technical precision. Gainsborough’s ability to capture his subjects’ personalities, imbuing them with an emotive poetry, set him apart from his contemporaries. His portraits belong to the world's most prestigious museums, including the Louvre, the National Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and many more. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This painting will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the portraits of Thomas Gainsborough currently being prepared by Dr. Hugh Belsey. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1766 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 30 1\/8” high x 25” wide (76.52 x 63.50 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 36 3\/4” high x 32” wide x 3\" deep (93.35 x 81.28 x 7.62 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Thomas Agnew \u0026amp; Sons, London, by 1899\u003cbr\u003e Jointly owned by Agnew’s and Wallis \u0026amp; Son, 1903\u003cbr\u003e Agnew’s half share sold to Wallis \u0026amp; Son on June 2, 1910\u003cbr\u003e Galerie D Heinemann, Munich, 1918 and 1928\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Amsterdam, 1995-2005\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans, 2009\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Los Angeles, 2012\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans, 2016\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, United States\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Walter Armstrong, \u003cem\u003eGainsborough and His Place in English Art\u003c\/em\u003e, 1904, p. 258 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e French Gallery, 1913, no. 17\u003cbr\u003e Galerie D Heinemann, Munich, 1918 and 1928","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44201313468551,"sku":"29-4019","price":148500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-4019_1_04f3c8f3-b19f-42e8-9dc6-3a1ab942f411.png?v=1774961008"},{"product_id":"a-pompeian-lady-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Pompeian Lady by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated \"J.W. Godward 1904\" (lower right, partially covered by frame)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e One of the last and greatest Victorian neoclassical painters, John William Godward is celebrated for his flawlessly executed images of graceful women posed in idealized ancient settings. In this work, entitled \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e, a classical beauty is caught idling in a moment of quiet, solitary reflection. Godward's elegant subjects are depicted with a degree of technical mastery that remains unsurpassed, and the work's dramatic palette, luxurious fabrics and classical vision are all characteristics of his unique take on the neoclassical style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Godward was unmatched in terms of his technical skill and attention to detail. A master of contrasting textures, he paints a diaphanous gown draping against the model’s smooth, milky white skin, which sits against the painstakingly rendered individual hairs of a tiger’s pelt. Scintillating color permeates the canvas as well, energizing the otherwise static scene. Each element is given careful attention, and the overall effect is one of both immaculate technique and sensual tactility. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Along with his contemporary and mentor, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Godward set the tone for the Victorian neoclassicist movement. He built his career upon creating images of idealized feminine beauty infused with a Greco-Roman-inspired style. Though greatly influenced by Alma-Tadema, Godward distinguished himself through his predilection for the solitary female figure. His fame rose dramatically in the first few years of the 20th century, when the present work was completed, due to the burgeoning strength of the British Empire and the Victorian society’s preoccupation with ancient Rome. To many of the newly affluent, Roman society was, as Iain Gale writes, “a flawless mirror of their own immaculate world.” The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive antique backdrops, was a direct reflection of this pervasive view. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887 at the age of only 26. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly adopted, if not rivaled, their style. He envisioned similar scenes of the ancient world, seamlessly blending antiquity and beauty in breathtaking compositions and attracting fans across Europe. In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists, and, ten years later, Godward debuted at the Paris Salon, where again he was heaped with critical praise. However, the 20th century brought rapid artistic change, and he was faced with the painful reality that the classical world he loved was being overshadowed by modern art movements. His devotion to the classics never waned, and he moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, where he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1904 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 25“ diameter (63.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 45 3\/4” high x 44 3\/8” wide (116.21 x 112.71 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_31-3739.pdf%20target=\" new\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Dossier\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This painting was exhibited at The European Fine Art Fair. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Thomas McLean, art dealer, London, 1904\u003cbr\u003e Purchased by Sir Alfred Bird, Tudor Grange Solihull\u003cbr\u003e Cooling Galleries, London and Toronto, Canada\u003cbr\u003e The collection of Maurice and Louella Brown, Toronto and Calgary, Canada\u003cbr\u003e By descent to Keith C. Brown and L. Joan Brown, Calgary, Alberta, 1982\u003cbr\u003e Hodgin’s Art Auctions, Calgary\u003cbr\u003e Fred and Sherry Ross, New Vernon, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e Sotheby’s, New York\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e J.W. Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism, 2018, Vern Swanson, page 290, no.12 (illustrated) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Thomas McLean Gallery, London, 1904","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44050790613127,"sku":"31-3739","price":1250000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3739_1_96367abf-d12d-4f22-9c18-fc2d4b326df3.png?v=1774967315"},{"product_id":"portrait-of-a-beauty-by-william-clarke-wontner","title":"Portrait of a Beauty by William Clarke Wontner","description":"William Clarke Wontner\u003cbr\u003e 1857-1930 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePortrait of a Beauty\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated \"W. Wontner 1918\" (lower left)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Classical beauty and technical precision define this painting by British Neoclassical artist William Clarke Wontner. Although his career was largely devoted to formal portraits, he is best celebrated today for his classical maidens idling before cool marble backdrops. The present work, with a singular focus on the sitter, showcases Wontner's talent as a portraitist as well as the classical vision for which he is renowned today. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Entitled \u003cem\u003ePortrait of a Beauty\u003c\/em\u003e, this painting demonstrates Wontner at his most impressive. The artist is admired for his precision in rendering the surfaces of marble and the flowing movement of classical costumes. Within this perfectly composed world, Wontner heightens the inherent sensuality of his subject through a masterful use of contrast. The vivid, jewel-like tones of her flowing tunic and veil seem especially rich as they fall over her tanned skin and sit against the smooth, veined marble structure.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wontner, along with John William Godward, is considered among the top British Neoclassical artists of his time, and in fact, the two painters enjoyed a friendship and working relationship. They became acquainted after Godward apprenticed under Wontner’s father, noted architect William Hoff Wontner, who taught him architectural rendering. William Clarke Wontner studied under Godward for a time, and his influence is easily noticed in Wontner’s Neoclassical works. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wontner exhibited his work at the Royal Academy, the Society of British Artists and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. Today, his works reside in the collections of museums such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rauantiques.my.salesforce.com\/sfc\/p\/A0000000JY02\/a\/8X000000Mnqq\/cvLbUpnWoYJZe3lo0HCdZEBKb9j75Am6ZYyt0EX4Cvk\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNational Portrait Gallery (London) and the Harris Museum (Preston, UK)\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1918 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 25\" high x 21\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 36\" high x 32\" wide","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42578025513095,"sku":"31-5487","price":198500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-5487_1.png?v=1746450329"},{"product_id":"henry-bowles-howard-12th-earl-of-suffolk-and-5th-earl-of-berkshire-by-sir-joshua-reynolds","title":"Henry Bowles Howard, 12th Earl of Suffolk and 5th Earl of Berkshire by Sir Joshua Reynolds","description":"Sir Joshua Reynolds\u003cbr\u003e 1723-1792 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eSir Henry Bowles Howard, 12th Earl of Suffolk and 5th Earl of Berkshire\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sir Joshua Reynolds is unequivocally considered the most important English portraitist of the 18th century who was instrumental in adapting the Grand Manner style in the portrait genre. In fact, when the Royal Academy was founded in 1768, Reynolds was elected its first President, setting the precedent of quality for which all other portraitists would strive. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Reynolds's portrait of Henry Bowles Howard, 12th Earl of Suffolk, showcases his genius in the genre and mastery over the medium. Reynolds’s portrait of the Earl expertly invokes classical values with strong lighting, rich colors and expert attention to detail to help underscore the prominence and revered echelon of the sitter. Howard was an esteemed British politician and Knight of the Garter. He served as Secretary of State for the Northern Department from 1771 to 1779, and he played a key role in utilizing mercenaries during the American Revolution and safeguarding Sweden's independence. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The portrait employs Reynolds's signature style to render Howard rightfully as a gentleman of distinction. Captured seated in a stately library, the Earl appears learned and austere as he places one hand upon a stack of important documents and looks wistfully into the distance. Reynolds makes these compositional choices decisively, as the seated position gives Howard a weighty appearance of importance and the semi-profile turn captures his countenance at an attractive angle that highlights his strong, masculine features. The work draws on the classical conventions of Greek and Roman art and the Italian Renaissance masters, anchoring the nobleman in a history of refinement. Everything from his strong yet welcoming expression to his pale face enlivened by a rush of blood to the cheeks presents the picture of a strong, vital and powerful leader. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As the first president of the Royal Academy in London, Reynolds’s commissions raised the status of an artist in Britain during the Romantic period and also established the portrait as an esteemed high art genre that garnered equal import to the history paintings that reigned supreme in decades prior. Today, Reynolds’s works grace the walls of the most important museums in the world, including the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Gallery in London, among others. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1770 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 50 1\/2\" high x 40 1\/4\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Framed: 61\" high x 52 1\/2\" wide x 3 1\/2\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Sir Henry Howard, 12th Earl of Suffolk and 5th Earl of Berkshire, 1739-1779\u003cbr\u003e His mother, Lady Mary Howard, née Finch, Lady Andover, d. 1803\u003cbr\u003e Acquired by descent to her daughter, Frances, and her husband Richard Bagot (later Howard)\u003cbr\u003e Acquired by descent to their daughter, Mary (1784-1877), and her husband Col. Fulke Greville Upton (later Howard), d. 1846\u003cbr\u003e Acquired by descent to Lieutenant Colonel H.R.G. Howard\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Christie's, London, March 24, 1961, no. 29\u003cbr\u003e Julius Weitzner, London and New York\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Paris, Musée Galliéra, December 7, 1965, no. 165\u003cbr\u003e Newhouse Galleries, New York, NY\u003cbr\u003e Mr. and Mrs. F. Howard Walsh, Fort Worth, Texas, 1966\u003cbr\u003e Walsh Family Art Trust\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Oregon\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e British Institution, London, 1844, no. 130, loaned by the Hon. Fulke Greville Howard.\u003cbr\u003e South Kensington, \"Second special exhibition of National Portraits,\" 1867, no. 478, lent by the Hon. Mrs. Greville.\u003cbr\u003e Agnew's, London, 1903, no. 17. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Algernon Graves and W. V. Cronin, A History of the Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A., vol. 3 (London, 1899), p. 945.\u003cbr\u003e David Mannings, Sir Joshua Reynolds. A Complete Catalogue of His Paintings (New Haven, 2000), p. 267, no. 951, illus. fig. 1274.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43641746292871,"sku":"31-8220","price":248500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8220_1_2a0d54e5-29e5-4457-8b55-97280637356f.png?v=1767194743"},{"product_id":"the-balneator-by-sir-lawrence-alma-tadema","title":"The Balneator by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema","description":"Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema\u003cbr\u003e 1836-1912 | Dutch \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Balneator\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and inscribed \"L Alma Tadema. op CLXXVI.\" (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Pencil and watercolor with scratching out on paper on board \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional work by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema depicts a Roman bath attendant, executed with the meticulous accuracy and technical brilliance that established the artist as the preeminent painter of classical antiquity in Victorian Britain. Created circa 1876 during Alma-Tadema's mature period, \u003cem\u003eThe Balneator\u003c\/em\u003e demonstrates his remarkable ability to achieve oil painting effects in the challenging medium of watercolor. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Historically, a balneator was a bath attendant in Ancient Rome who assisted bathers in the caldarium, the hottest room of Roman bath complexes. Using sponges, strigils and specialized instruments, these attendants applied oils to bathers' skin and scraped them clean—an early form of cleansing that preceded modern soap. Alma-Tadema's fascination with Roman baths intensified around 1875 following his acquisition of extensive photographs documenting Pompeii and the archaeological treasures of its museum in Naples. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Executed in pencil and watercolor with a unique scratching out technique, this work showcases Alma-Tadema's legendary skill in rendering splendid interiors. Through subtle gradations of color and tone, he contrasts different types and colors of marble, creating a convincing architectural environment. The lifelike texture of the figure's costume tassels is a result of the artist's innovative technique of scratching horizontal lines directly into the paper, achieving remarkably convincing textile detail. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This work was first exhibited at the Society of Painters in Water-Colours winter exhibition of 1876-1877 alongside its accompanying work \u003cem\u003eThe Balneatrix,\u003c\/em\u003e depicting a female bath attendant. Critics praised the work for achieving the same highly finished quality as Alma-Tadema's oil paintings and for his \"consummate ability in the depiction of marbles and interiors.\" Reviews appeared in major London publications, including \u003cem\u003eThe Art Journal, The Globe, The Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eIllustrated London News\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The work's provenance traces directly from the artist through respected London dealers Pilgeram \u0026amp; Lefèvre in 1877, subsequently passing through important private collections. The painting has been extensively documented in literature, including Vern Swanson's definitive catalogue raisonné and Robert Barrow's comprehensive monograph.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema was one of the most influential artists of the 19th century and perhaps art history’s greatest Neoclassical painter. During a career that spanned more than 60 years, he painted distinctive and “real to life” depictions of classical Greek and Roman antiquity. In 1852, he entered the Royal Academy of Antwerp in Belgium, and he devoted himself to thoroughly researching his subjects, striving for accuracy down to the smallest detail. It was a habit that would persist throughout his career and earn him great success during his lifetime. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1870, Alma-Tadema settled in England, where his Neoclassical works were particularly prized. He earned gold medals and highest honors in Amsterdam, at the Royal Academy, the Paris Salon and the 1867 Exposition Universelle, among countless others. Widely celebrated and admired, Queen Victoria herself awarded him British citizenship in 1873 and granted him knighthood in 1899. Today, his works are heralded as a significant part of art history, with his works gracing the walls of many major international museums, including Tate Britain, the Rijksmuseum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1876 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paper: 14 3\/4“ high x 10 3\/4” wide (37.47 x 27.31 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Framed: 21 1\/2“ high x 17 1\/8” wide x 2“ deep (69.75 x 54.61 x 5.08 cm)  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e The artist\u003cbr\u003e With Pilgeram \u0026amp; Lefèvre, London, acquired directly from the above, 1877\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, acquired in 1997\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, California\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, California\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e \"Society of Painters in Water Colours,\" The Globe, London, 5 December 1876, p. 6.\u003cbr\u003e \"Art Exhibition in London,\" The Glasgow Herald, Glasgow, 7 December 1876, p. 3.\u003cbr\u003e \"Society of Painters in Water Colours,\" The Daily News, London, 8 December 1876, p. 2.\u003cbr\u003e \"Art,\" The Spectator, London, 9 December 1876, p. 1541.\u003cbr\u003e \"Fine Arts,\" Illustrated London News, London, 9 December 1876, no. 1950, vol. LXIX,p. 562.\u003cbr\u003e \"Society of Painters in Water Colours,\" The Graphic, London, 9 December 1876, p. 578.\u003cbr\u003e \"Winter Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water-Colours,\" The Athenaeum, London, 9 December 1876, p. 767.\u003cbr\u003e \"Water-Colour Exhibitions,\" The Saturday Review, London, 16 December 1876, p. 756.\u003cbr\u003e E. W. Godwin, \"Afternoon Strolls,\" The Architect, London, 23 December 1876, p. 364.\u003cbr\u003e C. H. Ross, ed., \"Winter Exhibition of the Society of Painters in Water Colours,\" Judy, vol. XX, London, 27 December 1876, p. 108.\u003cbr\u003e L. Robinson, \"Correspondance D'Angleterre,\" La Chronique des arts, Paris, 24 February 1877, p. 74.\u003cbr\u003e \"Fine Arts,\" Illustrated London News, London, 1 December 1877, no. 2003, vol. LXXI, p. 534.\u003cbr\u003e C. E. Pascoe, \"London Exhibitions,\" The Art Journal, vol. 3, London, 1887, p. 60.\u003cbr\u003e \"Winter Exhibitions,\" The Art Journal, vol. 8, London, 1887, p. 55.\u003cbr\u003e R. Dircks, \"Sir L. Alma-Tadema O.M., R.A., R.W.S.,\" The Art Journal, London, December 1910, p. 30.\u003cbr\u003e V. G. Swanson, \u003cem\u003eSir Lawrence Alma-Tadema\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1977, p. 138.\u003cbr\u003e R. Borger, \u003cem\u003eDrei Klassizisten: Alma Tadema, Ebers, Vosmaer\u003c\/em\u003e, Leiden, 1978, p. 11, no. 176.\u003cbr\u003e V. G. Swanson, \u003cem\u003eThe Biography and Catalogue Raisonné of the Paintings of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1990, p. 196, under no. 217.\u003cbr\u003e R. J. Barrow, \u003cem\u003eLawrence Alma-Tadema\u003c\/em\u003e, London and New York, 2001, pp. 99, 102, no. 95, illustrated.\u003cbr\u003e B. Massabò, \u003cem\u003eAlbingaunum: itinerari archeologici di Albenga\u003c\/em\u003e, Genoa, 2004, p. 102, illustrated. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e London, Society of Painters and Water-Colours, Winter Exhibition, 1876-1877, no. 332.\u003cbr\u003e London, Dudley Gallery, Winter Exhibition, December 1877.\u003cbr\u003e Los Angeles, The J. Paul Getty Museum, \u003cem\u003eLuminous Paper: British Watercolors and Drawings\u003c\/em\u003e, 19 July-23 October 2011, no. 27.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43990871343239,"sku":"32-1372","price":175000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1372_1.png?v=1772377072"},{"product_id":"a-flower-seller-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Flower Seller by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Flower Seller\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated lower right \"J.W. Godward 96\"\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This stunning painting by John William Godward is a monumental masterpiece of the artist's oeuvre. Celebrated as one of the most important Neoclassical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a style of Classicism known as the \"Marble School,\" which rendered Greco-Roman beauties in their exquisite architectural settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A large-scale masterwork, \u003cem\u003eA Flower Seller\u003c\/em\u003e was exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy in 1896, the most important venue for artists of the 19th century, where only the best works were shown. Here, the flower seller boldly engages the viewer with her mesmerizing gaze, and her rosy cheeks and glowing skin exude an ethereal beauty. Godward displays his extraordinary talent for rendering every surface with incredible realism, immersing his viewers in the allure of this bygone era. Of Godward's compelling oeuvre, esteemed art historian Vern Grosvenor Swanson wrote, “He sought to portray peace, feminine charm and ideal perfection by marvelously painted and composed classical pictures of beautiful women in halcyon marble environments.”  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raised in Wimbledon, England, Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887. By the subsequent decade, the burgeoning artist was on a steady ascent to artistic success. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly rivaled their style. The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive backdrops, attracted fans across Europe and sent Godward on a rapid ascent to artistic stardom. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists. Ten years later, Godward debuted at the Parisian Salon of 1899, where again he was heaped with praise. He moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, and there he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. Today, his works belong to prestigious collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1896 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 47 1\/2” high x 35 1\/2” wide (120.65 x 90.17 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 55 1\/2” high x 43 1\/2” wide x 7 3\/4” deep (140.97 x 110.49 x 12.07 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Messrs. Thomas McClean, London, May 2, 1896\u003cbr\u003e Private collection\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e H.G. Blackburn, Academy Notes, 1896\u003cbr\u003e Vern Grosvenor Swanson, \u003cem\u003eJohn William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1998, p. 194, no. 5, illustrated \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Royal Academy of Art, Summer Exhibition, London, 1896, no. 597","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43803065876615,"sku":"32-2119","price":885000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2119_1_0aaae865-66ad-490b-ae67-d6aea1dd0f69.png?v=1770139471"},{"product_id":"a-classical-beauty-in-profile-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Classical Beauty in Profile by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Classical Beauty in Profile\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"J.W. Godward\" (center right)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An extraordinary portrait by John William Godward, \u003cem\u003eA Classical Beauty in Profile\u003c\/em\u003e embodies his renowned style. Celebrated as one of the most important Neoclassical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a style of Classicism known as the \"Marble School,\" which rendered Greco-Roman beauties in their exquisite architectural settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Draped in a golden tunic, Godward's signature beauty is caught in a moment of quiet reverie. His exceptional talent for color and texture is on full display, with each element of the composition rendered with a supreme, naturalistic finish. This work also centers one of Godward's favorite models, an Italian beauty who also posed for a similar portrait the same year, entitled \u003cem\u003eThe Engagement Ring.\u003c\/em\u003e Embodying the essence of \"peace, feminine charm and ideal perfection\" that art historian Vern Grosvenor Swanson identified in Godward's best works, this painting is a masterpiece. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raised in Wimbledon, England, Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887. By the subsequent decade, the burgeoning artist was on a steady ascent to artistic success. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly rivaled their style. The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive backdrops, attracted fans across Europe and sent Godward on a rapid ascent to artistic stardom. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists. Ten years later, Godward debuted at the Parisian Salon of 1899, where again he was heaped with praise. He moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, and there he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. Today, his works belong to prestigious collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1888 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 24 3\/8” high x 19 3\/8” wide (61.79 x 49.09 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 37” high x 32” wide x 4 1\/4” deep (93.98 x 81.28 x 10.80 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, United States\u003cbr\u003e Anonymous sale, Christie's New York, 22 October 1997, lot 72\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, acquired at the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New York\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Vern Grosvenor Swanson, \u003cem\u003eJohn William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1997, p. 173, no. 1 (illustrated)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44315758428295,"sku":"32-2120","price":248500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2120_1.png?v=1780145817"},{"product_id":"mashallah-by-carl-haag","title":"Mashallah! by Carl Haag","description":"Carl Haag\u003cbr\u003e 1820–1915 | German \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMashallah!\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated “Carl Haag \/ 1870” (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Titled and signed “Mash: Allah! \/ by Carl Haag” (en verso)\u003cbr\u003e Watercolor heightened with white \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A commanding and highly evocative work, \u003cem\u003eMashallah!\u003c\/em\u003e stands as an exceptional example of Carl Haag’s Orientalist production. Executed in 1870, shortly after the artist’s extensive travels through the Middle East, this large-scale watercolor reflects Haag’s firsthand engagement with the region and his remarkable ability to translate lived experience into images of enduring visual power. Rich in atmosphere and cultural resonance, the work captures the contemplative dignity that defines Haag’s finest portraits. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The composition centers on a male figure dressed in traditional Middle Eastern attire, rendered with striking presence. His calm expression and distant gaze convey introspection, while the soft modeling of the face demonstrates Haag’s refined understanding of anatomy and character. A vivid green hookah held delicately in his hand introduces a moment of chromatic contrast against the muted earth tones of the palette. Heightened with white and subtly scratched to create texture, the surface shimmers with delicate detail. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Carl Haag was among the most accomplished Orientalist painters of the 19th century and remains celebrated for his meticulous draftsmanship and mastery of watercolor technique. Bavarian-born and later naturalized as a British subject, Haag trained in Nuremberg and Munich before settling in England in 1847. His election to the Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours—first as an Associate in 1850 and then as a full member in 1853—confirmed his standing among Britain’s artistic elite, a reputation reinforced by his patronage from Queen Victoria. Between 1858 and 1860, Haag undertook extended journeys through Egypt, Jerusalem, Lebanon and Syria, often working directly from life. These travels fundamentally shaped his oeuvre, grounding his Orientalist imagery in direct observation rather than romantic invention. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The title \u003cem\u003eMashallah!\u003c\/em\u003e—an Arabic expression meaning “God has willed it,” is commonly used to express admiration, reverence or gratitude. Works of this scale and quality are among Haag’s most sought-after compositions, prized for their authenticity, technical finesse and poetic restraint. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Painted 1870 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paper: 19 5\/8\" high x 13 5\/8\" wide (49.85 x 34.61 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 35 1\/2\" high x 27 1\/2\" wide x 2 1\/2\" deep (90.17 x 69.85 x 6.35 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, London\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43775347818631,"sku":"32-2060","price":44500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2060_1_d3da8f65-16e0-4da2-82bb-8374672dbc0e.png?v=1781292126"},{"product_id":"a-pompeian-lady-in-blue-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Pompeian Lady in Blue by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady in Blue\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated lower right \"J.W. Godward 1916\"\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This masterwork by John William Godward, \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady in Blue\u003c\/em\u003e, evokes the romantic splendor of the Classical world. Celebrated as one of the most important Neoclassical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a style of Classicism known as the \"Marble School,\" which rendered Greco-Roman beauties in their exquisite architectural settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Draped in a brilliant tunic of gold and blue, Godward's signature beauty gazes boldly out at the viewer, inviting them in by pulling back a luxurious curtain. His exceptional talent for jewel-like color and texture is on full display, with each element of the composition rendered with a supreme, naturalistic finish. Godward renders an extraordinary array of marbles and hardstones throughout, with the delightful detail of an agate oculus window shining above the figure's head. Embodying the essence of \"peace, feminine charm and ideal perfection\" that art historian Vern Grosvenor Swanson identified in Godward's best works, this painting is a captivating treasure. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raised in Wimbledon, England, Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887. By the subsequent decade, the burgeoning artist was on a steady ascent to artistic success. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly rivaled their style. The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive backdrops, attracted fans across Europe and sent Godward on a rapid ascent to artistic stardom. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists. Ten years later, Godward debuted at the Parisian Salon of 1899, where again he was heaped with praise. He moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, and there he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. Today, his works belong to prestigious collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1916 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 35 3\/8” high x 17 1\/4” wide (89.7 x 43.8 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Framed: 42 5\/8” high x 24 1\/2” wide x 2 3\/8” deep (108.3 x 62.2 x 5.9 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Vern Grosvenor Swanson, \u003cem\u003eJohn William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1998, p. 151, plate 147, illustrated. Titled:\u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44417983152263,"sku":"32-2121","price":585000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2121_1_9e88f4bc-d1e8-433d-9f99-b00b5e020412.png?v=1775503340"},{"product_id":"merab-and-michal-by-edwin-longsden-long","title":"Merab and Michal by Edwin Longsden Long","description":"Edwin Longsden Long\u003cbr\u003e 1829–1891 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMerab\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMichal\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Both signed with monogram (lower left and right)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The paintings of Edwin Longsden Long stand among the most celebrated achievements of Victorian historical painting, distinguished by their meticulous detail, archaeological rigor and dramatic narrative force. Exhibited as a pair at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1883, \u003cem\u003eMerab\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMichal\u003c\/em\u003e were immediately recognized as exceptional works within the artist’s oeuvre. Contemporary critics were unequivocal in their praise, with Lady’s Pictorial declaring the figures “perhaps the finest single figures Mr. Long has painted.” Preserved together for over 140 years, these paintings represent a rare survival of Long’s most ambitious and critically acclaimed masterworks. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Depicting the daughters of King Saul, the compositions explore contrasting expressions of feminine character. Rather than relying solely on the biblical text, Long drew on the dramatic interpretations in the oratorio \u003cem\u003eSaul\u003c\/em\u003e by George Frideric Handel, enriching each figure with psychological nuance. Merab, the elder daughter, is rendered with commanding presence, her upright stance and proximity to arms and armor underscoring her pride and royal authority. Michal, by contrast, is imbued with quiet introspection, her softened gaze and delicately clasped hands framed by sumptuous textiles. Together, the paintings form a carefully balanced dialogue between strength and tenderness, authority and devotion—an intellectual and aesthetic pairing characteristic of Long’s most sophisticated works. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e When exhibited at the Royal Academy, the paintings were singled out for their beauty and commanding presence. The Globe praised their “great beauty of an Oriental type,” while noting that neighboring works paled in comparison. Their impact was such that they were later exhibited across Britain alongside Long’s monumental biblical canvas \u003cem\u003eAnno Domini,\u003c\/em\u003e further cementing their status within his most important productions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Long’s reputation during his lifetime was extraordinary. In 1882, just one year before these works were completed, his \u003cem\u003eBabylonian Marriage Market\u003c\/em\u003e achieved £6,615 at auction—the highest price ever paid for a work by a living artist at that time. Many of his most significant paintings are held in important collections, including the Yale Center for British Art, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery \u0026amp; Museum. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Both dated 1883 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas (each): 47 3\/4\" high x 29 3\/8\" wide (121.3 x 74.6 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame (each): 60\" high x 44 1\/4\" wide x 4 1\/4\" deep (152.4 x 112.4 x 10.8 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_32-2447.pdf\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Dossier\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Fairless \u0026amp; Beeforth, London\u003cbr\u003e Sir John Holder, Bart., by 1906\u003cbr\u003e Anonymous sale, Sotheby’s, London, 21 March 1990, lot 221\u003cbr\u003e With Zangrilli \u0026amp; Co., London\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Paris\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e The Echo, 11 April 1883, p. 2\u003cbr\u003e The Times, 5 May 1883, p. 12\u003cbr\u003e The Globe, 5 May 1883, p. 6\u003cbr\u003e Saturday Review, 5 May 1883, p. 566; 26 May 1883, p. 665; 16 February 1884, p. 216\u003cbr\u003e Evening Irish Times, 7 May 1883, p. 6\u003cbr\u003e Punch, 12 May 1883, p. 220\u003cbr\u003e Athenaeum, 12 May 1883, p. 607\u003cbr\u003e Building News, 18 May 1883, p. 656\u003cbr\u003e Lady's Pictorial, 26 May 1883, p. 359; 5 September 1885, p. 210\u003cbr\u003e Art Journal, 1883, p. 202\u003cbr\u003e Academy Notes, 1883, p. 13\u003cbr\u003e Birmingham Daily Gazette, 29 March 1906, p. 6\u003cbr\u003e Austin Chester, “The Art of Edwin Long RA,” Windsor Magazine, February 1908, p. 548\u003cbr\u003e Richard Quick, The Life and Works of Edwin Long, R.A., Bournemouth, 1931, p. 44\u003cbr\u003e Mark Bills, Edwin Longsden Long RA, London, 1998, no. 194 (Merab), pp. 137–138, illustrated; no. 195 (Michal), pp. 138–139, illustrated \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e London, Royal Academy, 1883, no. 91 (Merab) and no. 97 (Michal)\u003cbr\u003e Fairless and Beeforth, 168 Bond Street, London, 1884–85\u003cbr\u003e Toured with Anno Domini, 1889: T. Cranfield Galleries, Dublin (April–May); Rodman’s Gallery, Belfast (June); Frost and Reed, Bristol (September–October)\u003cbr\u003e Birmingham Art Gallery, Royal Society of Artists, 1906","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44540348661895,"sku":"32-2447","price":498500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2447_1_09d87d93-0a47-46f4-80e3-0de25f3c73d7.png?v=1777555295"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/english-portrait-paintings.oembed","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}