Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1860s.
We discovered a great deal about Alfred including the fact that his father, David Little Couch (1811-1894), was a portrait painter. With this in mind, it seems plausible that his father produced this image of him - or perhaps someone within his circle.
Alfred spent his youth in East Stonehouse, Devonshire and later lived in Bedminster, Bristol. He served for many years in the Royal Navy including aboard Ariadne, Encounter, Royal Adelaide, Castor, and Lion. In 1906, at the age of 60, he was transferred to HMS Daedalus, which was a training ship at the time. His records explain:
“To be transferred to ‘Daedalus’ on 13 April next, when a vacancy will occur in that ship. ‘Daedalus’ should (illegible) off before Feb 1911, the date on which Couch’s engagement expires, the question of his disposal should then be raised.”
Couch passed away on the 26th of April 1906 at his home in Clifton, Bristol.
The portrait is housed within a period frame.
Medium: Pastel on paper
Overall size: 14½” x 16½” / 37cm x 42cm
Year of creation: c. 1865
Provenance: England
Condition: A minor loss towards the bottom left but otherwise fine. Frame with some age-related wear. Glazed.
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1860s.
Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brave Fine Art Profile Page
19th-century Portrait of Alfred Little Couch Rn - Antique Pastel
