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ID #SA1016136
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J.w.giles "Portrait of a Bull" Watercolour
Sold by McTague of Harrogate
sold SA1016136
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
McTague of Harrogate

McTague of Harrogate

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2011
Browse dealers 246 items
  • About Us
    Mctague of harrogate are yorkshire based dealers in old pictures. Please see website mctague.co.uk
  • Trade Associations
    McTague of Harrogate is a registered member of BADA 
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Id #SA1016136
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J.w.giles "Portrait of a Bull" Watercolour

19th century
Sold 20 October 2025 · McTague of Harrogate
This “J.w.giles "Portrait of a Bull" Watercolour” found a buyer.

It was listed by McTague of Harrogate. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Farm PaintingBritish Cattle PaintingFramed Bull Portrait Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

John West Giles was a sporting painter and lithographer who exhibited between 1830 and 1865. His subjects include sporting, animal and decorative subjects, topographical views and military costumes and were made after his owns works or those of contemporary artists. He is thought to be the brother of painter James William Giles, as both artists were living at the same address in Aberdeen in 1830, when they sent works for exhibition at the Royal Academy. John also exhibited five works at the British Institution in London. He appears to have left Aberdeen by 1838 and after this mostly worked in the London area.

"Portrait of a Bull" is a watercolour measuring 9"x 13". It is signed and dated 1844 and is inscribed "Shown at Smithfield 1844". It is mounted into an old maple frame giving an overall size of 17"x 21". A rare and interesting item.

Physical Dimensions
Height
43cm (16.93")
Width
53cm (20.87")
Depth
3cm (1.18")
Declaration

McTague of Harrogate has dated this Antique Bull Watercolour Painting to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1016136
Dealers Notes

Please note the shop is now open by appointment.

Free delivery mainland UK on any item.

Please telephone Paul 07885 108190

Description
John West Giles was a sporting painter and lithographer who exhibited between 1830 and 1865.
“
His subjects include sporting, animal and decorative subjects, topographical views and military costumes and were made after his owns works or those of contemporary artists.
McTague of Harrogate

He is thought to be the brother of painter James William Giles, as both artists were living at the same address in Aberdeen in 1830, when they sent works for exhibition at the Royal Academy. John also exhibited five works at the British Institution in London. He appears to have left Aberdeen by 1838 and after this mostly worked in the London area.

fig 1. An antique watercolour painting depicting a brown bull standing in a pastoral landscape with a cloudy sky.
fig 1. J.w.giles "Portrait of a Bull" Watercolour

"Portrait of a Bull" is a watercolour measuring 9"x 13". It is signed and dated 1844 and is inscribed "Shown at Smithfield 1844". It is mounted into an old maple frame giving an overall size of 17"x 21". A rare and interesting item.

Height
43cm (16.93")
Width
53cm (20.87")
Depth
3cm (1.18")
Date of Manufacture

McTague of Harrogate has dated this Antique Bull Watercolour Painting to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1016136
McTague of Harrogate
McTague of Harrogate
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2011

Mctague of harrogate are yorkshire based dealers in old pictures. Please see website mctague.co.uk

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the McTague of Harrogate Profile Page

Trade Associations

McTague of Harrogate is a registered member of BADA 

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An antique watercolour painting depicting a brown bull standing in a pastoral landscape with a cloudy sky. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 2
Archive I An antique watercolour painting depicting a brown bull standing in a pastoral landscape with a cloudy sky. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

J.w.giles "Portrait of a Bull" Watercolour

Archive II An antique watercolour painting depicting a brown bull standing in a pastoral landscape with a cloudy sky. View II
Enlarged Archival View
McTague of Harrogate

McTague of Harrogate
Telephone 07885 108190
Location
North Yorkshire
United Kingdom

Viewing by appointment.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mctague
Verified Since Apr 2011
Items For Sale 246
Items Sold 1,197
McTague of Harrogate
McTague of Harrogate
Verified Since Apr 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, , Viewing by appointment.,
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mctague
Verified
Apr 2011
For Sale
246
Sold
1,197
An antique watercolour painting depicting a brown bull standing in a pastoral landscape with a cloudy sky.
J.W.Giles "Portrait of a Bull" watercolour
Ref: SA1016136
An antique watercolour painting depicting a brown bull standing in a pastoral landscape with a cloudy sky.
Detail View 1
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectFine Art
  • Period19th century
  • StyleBritish Traditional
  • MaterialWatercolour on paper
  • ColourBrown
  • MotifsLivestock portrait, Pastoral landscape, Cloud study
  • SizeH 43 cm (17 in) x W 53 cm (21 in) x D 3 cm (1 in)

FAQs

Livestock portraiture gained significant popularity in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries, often commissioned by landowners and breeders to document prize-winning animals, prize bulls, and agricultural achievements.

These works typically utilised finely ground pigments suspended in water-soluble binders, applied to handmade rag paper or wove paper, often finished with gum arabic to add lustre to specific areas.

Authenticity is assessed by examining the paper type, watermarks, oxidisation of pigments, signs of ageing such as foxing, and framing techniques characteristic of the period.

Pairing historic livestock paintings with neutral walls, minimalist frames, or contrasting contemporary furnishings creates a sophisticated balance between traditional heritage and modern design.

To prevent fading and degradation, antique watercolours should be kept out of direct sunlight, framed using acid-free archival materials, and displayed in environments with controlled humidity and temperature.
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