Cavalier Portrait Oil Painting by William Arthur Breakespeare

A superb oil on canvas depicting a smiling cavalier by William Arthur Breakespeare 1856-1914. A wonderful quality work by this master of genre painting, the Cavalier stands half-length lifting a lidded tankard and gazing out at the viewer with a broad grin. The detail of the clothing and the face are stunning and the whole work has a warmth and vitality to it. The painting is in excellent untouched condition and is signed to the lower left W.A.Breakespeare. William Arthur Breakspeare (1856–1914) RBA, RBSA was born in Birmingham, the son of John Breakspeare, a flower painter working in the Birmingham japanning trade. Breakspeare lived in Edgbaston until the age of 22. He was apprenticed to the japanners, Halbeard and Wellings, as a decorator. He was closely associated with the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) gallery, exhibiting 34 works from 1874 to 1899. He was one of the first Associates of the RBSA in 1881 and was elected to the RBSA in 1884. He was also a founder member of the Birmingham Art Circle. In about 1884 he visited Newlyn in Cornwall where other ‘Birmingham Boys’ were helping to establish the colony of artists. His work covered many styles including genre, portrait, figure and 18th-century costume pieces and landscape. Breakspeare spent time in Paris, moving there in 1879. Whilst living there he exhibited An Eastern Maid at the RBSA, perhaps showing an influence of Orientalism from his stay. His Parisian stay was short and he moved to Haverstock Hill in London a few years later in 1881. He is understood to have spent the rest of his life there. As well as his training in Paris, Breakspeare was initially trained at the Birmingham Government School of Design and Charles Verlat's Academy in Antwerp. Breakspeare exhibited around eight works at the Royal Academy in London from 1883 to 1893, including To Gretna Green and Bathers. This piece is a fine example of his work and likely an exhibited piece, it retains the original superb quality gilt frame which is in excellent untouched condition, with just the odd minor repair. The whole is a wonderfully decorative painting with a great presence and impact. C.1880.

Overall sizes in inches including frame: 28 ½ by 34 ½

At Prometheus Antiques we want our customers to be completely happy with our items everything is sold with a guarantee and all items are fully and clearly described. We do try to make sure that what you see on the screen is as true a reflection of the actual item in reality as possible. Photos should be clear and without excessive extra light, however if you would like other photos of an item please do get in touch. We can also send video or video chat so that you can get as accurate an idea of the piece that interests you as possible.

We do have a private showroom 15 mins drive from Newark where Items can also be viewed by prior appointment. If you are unable to visit us please purchase with the knowledge that we give a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied, we only ask that you pay return transport costs.

We are happy to organise deliveries to all destinations. Delivery of some items will be free depending on size, delivery method, and location. Where charges are made for delivery we try to be as cost effective as possible on your behalf. Deliveries can be organised all over the world so please do ask wherever you are. If an item interests you get in touch and we can always talk about various ways and costs that might be involved in getting it to you.

Payment can be made by any of the following: Cheque, Bank Transfer, and all major Debit and Credit Cards over the telephone. We do also take Paypal payments.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or questions, by email or on either:

Mobile 24hr: 07932 624971

Shop: 0194921097

Also please visit our own website for more detailed descriptions and photos of items, www.prometheusantiques.com