Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1940s.
This is one of those occasions. When we acquired this characterful portrait, it was simply described as having a monogram of ‘JB’. But following our research, we discovered the name Blundell on the reverse, and this led us to John James Griffith Blundell of Kent.
Blundell undertook a diploma in the late 1940s, and this piece formed part of it. It’s inscribed as such in the lower right and dated 1948. There are surprisingly few works in circulation relating to the rest of his career aside from two watercolours, an oil painting, and an abstract sculpture, which is dated 1975. He’s known to have exhibited at The Mall Galleries in London.
We can only speculate as to the identity of the smart gentleman portrayed but it’s been suggested that he could be cricket-related. Perhaps an umpire.
Monogrammed/dated in the lower left.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 12” x 20” / 31cm x 51cm
Year of creation: 1948
Labels & Inscriptions: Surname inscribed on the reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well with a few scuffs.
British artist John James Griffith Blundell was primarily known for figures, portraits and genre scenes. He was born in Lewisham but spent many years in St Mary Cray, Kent. Later in life, he published a popular book on local history. Blundell Close in St Mary Cray is named after him.
Learn more about John JG Blundell in our directory.
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1940s.
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John Jg Blundell, Study of Man in Profile - Antique Oil Painting
