Who painted Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824–1902)?

Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824–1902) was painted by Theodore Blake Wirgman in 1896.

Where can I see Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824–1902)?

Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824–1902) is held by National Library of Wales.

What movement is Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824–1902)?

Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824–1902) is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824–1902)

Theodore Blake Wirgman , 1896

Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824–1902) is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Theodore Blake Wirgman. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales. The oil portrait of Sir Robert Henry Davies, executed in 1896, presents the former colonial administrator in formal military dress.

About this work

Overview

The work belongs to the Framed Works of Art collection at the National Library of Wales, where it is held under accession number PB09034.

Sir Robert Henry Davies (1824-1902) is an oil on canvas portrait by the Victorian artist Theodore Blake Wirgman, created circa 1890. Measuring 157 by 121 centimeters, the painting depicts its subject in a formal military style uniform adorned with medals and honors. The work belongs to the Framed Works of Art collection at the National Library of Wales, where it is held under accession number PB09034.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Sir Robert Henry Davies seated in a carved wooden chair, his body turned three-quarters toward the viewer. He wears a dark military style uniform featuring gold embroidered cuffs and collar, brass buttons down the front, and several medals and orders pinned to his chest. His left hand rests on a feathered hat with a gold band held on his lap, while his right hand rests on his thigh. The inclusion of the uniform, medals, and plumed hat serves as iconography of official authority, rank, and public service, communicating the sitter's elevated social and political standing.

Technique & Style

Wirgman executed the portrait in oil on canvas, employing a palette dominated by dark blues, blacks, and rich reds, punctuated by gold accents. Light falls from the upper left, illuminating the face, hands, and metallic embroidery of the uniform. The brushwork varies across the composition, applied loosely to render the heavy draped fabric in deep red and brown tones that comprises the background, while tighter and more descriptive handling defines the facial features and uniform details. The painting surface retains a moderate gloss, with some areas displaying visible craquelure.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1890, the painting entered the National Library of Wales in 1978 through a purchase from Messrs Linden. It remains part of the institution's Framed Works of Art collection under accession number PB09034. The work is in the public domain.

Portrait of Piotr Vannovsky, Alexander Fedorovich Pershakov

Artist & collection

Artist

Theodore Blake Wirgman

Theodore Blake Wirgman (29 April 1848 – 16 January 1925) was a British painter and etcher who moved to London, studied at the Royal Academy Schools, became a painter of history and genre subjects, and worked as a portrait artist for The…

Museum

National Library of Wales

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