Artsonline has dated this Antique Oil Portrait Painting to the 19th Century.
Brief Description:
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptional original late 19th-century Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting by Charles Spencelayh RA (1865–1958), widely regarded as one of Britain's finest portrait and genre painters of the late Victorian and early 20th-century periods.
The work is both signed "Charles Spencelayh" and dated "1895" in the lower left corner.
The captivating composition portrays an affluent young curly-haired girl with striking blue eyes seated upon an elegant Regency armchair, engrossed in an illustrated book. A luxurious silk cushion has been thoughtfully placed behind her, supporting her small frame within the oversized chair and adding warmth and charm to the composition.
Executed with almost photographic precision, the painting reveals the exceptional observational skills for which Spencelayh became renowned. Every feature has been rendered with astonishing realism, from the delicate texture of the child's hair and clothing to the subtle expressions of innocence upon her face. In a wonderful demonstration of the artist's commitment to authenticity, he has even depicted tiny traces of mud upon the child's face, knees, fingertips, and fingernails—small but masterful details that bring the portrait vividly to life.
The painting is presented in outstanding original condition and is housed within an impressive later deep-scrolled gesso frame that complements the work beautifully and enhances its commanding presence.
Artist Biography
Charles Spencelayh RA (1865–1958) was one of Britain's most celebrated Academic painters, renowned for his exquisitely detailed portraits and genre scenes. Born in Rochester, Kent, he studied at the National Art Training School in South Kensington before exhibiting both in Britain and at the prestigious Paris Salon.
Between 1892 and 1958, Spencelayh exhibited more than 70 paintings at the Royal Academy, including his celebrated masterpiece "Why War" (1939), which was awarded the Royal Academy's Picture of the Year. He also held a successful solo exhibition at Sunderland Art Gallery in 1936.
A founding member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Spencelayh exhibited an astonishing 129 miniature paintings between 1896 and 1954. His subjects ranged from intimate domestic scenes to still-life compositions, all distinguished by extraordinary realism and impeccable draftsmanship. Among his best-known works are The Laughing Parson (1935), His Daily Ration (1946), Exploration (1931), and Apples (1951).
Spencelayh was a particular favourite of Queen Mary, who amassed an important collection of his paintings. In 1924 he was commissioned to paint a miniature portrait of King George V for the celebrated Queen Mary's Dolls' House, cementing his reputation as one of Britain's foremost painters.
The enduring appeal of his work is reflected in the strength of today's market. On 17 December 2009, his celebrated masterpiece The Old Dealer realised over £345,000 at Sotheby's, confirming Charles Spencelayh's position amongst the most sought-after British Academic artists.
This outstanding portrait represents a rare opportunity to acquire an early signed work by one of Britain's most accomplished painters—an elegant and highly decorative museum-quality painting of exceptional artistic and historical significance.
Attributes:
Oil on Canvas painting
Signed: 'Charles Spencelayh
Circa/Dated: 1895
Inscribed verso: 'A Little Read'
Condition:
Both the painting and the frame are offered in an overall exceptional original condition.
Framed Measurements
Artsonline has dated this Antique Oil Portrait Painting to the 19th Century.
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Stunning Portrait Oil Painting Newlyn School Charles Spencelayh RA (1865-1958)
