Portrait of a Gentleman & Portrait of a Lady, Circa 1836; Attributed to James Godsell Middleton (C.1805-1874)

This sensitive and well observed portrait of a lady and portrait of a gentleman, perhaps painted at the time of their betrothal, are charming and insightful images of the growing wealth of society. The portraits are ascribed with the artist’s home address and dated on verso: “J G Pinxt, 76 Newman St, London 1836”. Newman street was a working artist’s street par excellence in London, with nearly every house, over 50 years, being occupied at one time or another by an artist studio. Artists such as Rossetti, Benjamin West, and Thomas Stothard had premises here. Many artists combined teaching with their studio work. James Mathew Leigh’s well-attended academy was at 79 Newman Street; it offered classes in the morning for women and in the evening for men. The list of famous students from the Newman Street years is long and includes Burne-Jones, Holman Hunt, Leighton, Millais, and David Wilkie Wynfield.

James Godsell Middleton (1805-1874) was a London born British artist well known in his day and a popular choice for aristocracy. Like most portrait painters in London he was influenced by dominant masters of the portrait genre such as Thomas Lawrence. He was a skilful draughtsman and an accomplished colourist; his controlled yet spontaneous appearing brushstrokes lend a certain air of immediacy to his works. He exhibited consistently throughout his career at many academies such as London’s Royal Academy, Ireland’s Royal Hibernian Academy, and the British Institution and established a highly successful practice in London, after spending some time in Rome, where his self-portrait is to be found in the Pitti palace, Florence. His daughters, Mary and Josephine, were also portrait painters and almost certainly studio assistants.

Amongst others he depicted Napoleon III, Viscountess Beaconsfield, Countess of Blessington, 2nd Baron Carrington, 3rd Earl of Malmesbury, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, Countess of Portarlington etc. His work is found in various museums around the world and the British Government’s art collection and various National Trust properties. Middleton’s portrait of Charles William Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry sold in 2004 for $122,419 and is currently held at Mount Stewart, National Trust.

Provenance: Private collection Belgium

Measurements: Height 45cm, Width 40cm, Depth 8cm framed (Height 17.75”, Width 15.75”, Depth 3.25” framed)

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