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Thornton Rippingille, Portrait of the Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting
Sold by Brave Fine Art
sold SA1021086
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Thornton Rippingille, Portrait of the Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting

19th century
Sold 4 March 2025 · Brave Fine Art
This “Thornton Rippingille, Portrait of the Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting” found a buyer.

It was listed by Brave Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

This mid-19th-century oil painting by English artist Thornton Rippingille (1830-1863) depicts the inventor Thomas Dunn.

Dunn was a remarkable Lancastrian who pioneered new technologies relating to Victorian railway turntables. Here, in around 1857, he’s celebrating the fruits of his labour. On his left, a pile of numerous successfully filed patents are held in place by a large chain link. Railway turntables were circular devices that turned rolling stock in different directions, so the chain is presumably part of his adjusted methodology.

The portrait is one of several probably commissioned by Bennet Woodcroft to record the industrial luminaries of his day and it was shown at the ‘Museum of the Commissioners of Patents at South Kensington’. Other portraits of this nature are held at the Science Museum in London.

Held within a handsome gilt frame.

Due to the size of this piece, overseas delivery may take longer than usual.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board

Overall size: 42½” x 52½” / 108cm x 133cm

Year of creation: 1857

Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse with the name of the artist and sitter. Presumably copied across from the reverse of the canvas prior to laying on board. The date on the reverse states 1837, which is incorrect as it was produced in 1857.

Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.

Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Thornton Rippingille was a British portrait artist predominantly known for his fine depictions of industrial entrepreneurs and inventors, which were often commissioned by his patron Bennet Woodcroft FRS (1803-1879). He was trained by his father, Edward Villiers Rippingille (1798-1859), who exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and was a close associate of Francis Danby. His career was cut short at the age of 33 and, hence, very few examples of his works remain. He’s represented at the Science Museum.

Learn more about Thornton Rippingille in our directory.

Date of Manufacture

Brave Fine Art has dated this Antique Oil Painting to the 1850s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
133cm (52.36")
Width
108cm (42.52")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1021086
Description
This mid-19th-century oil painting by English artist Thornton Rippingille (1830-1863) depicts the inventor Thomas Dunn.
“
Dunn was a remarkable Lancastrian who pioneered new technologies relating to Victorian railway turntables.
Brave Fine Art

Here, in around 1857, he’s celebrating the fruits of his labour. On his left, a pile of numerous successfully filed patents are held in place by a large chain link. Railway turntables were circular devices that turned rolling stock in different directions, so the chain is presumably part of his adjusted methodology.

fig 1. An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame.
fig 1. Thornton Rippingille, Portrait of the Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting

The portrait is one of several probably commissioned by Bennet Woodcroft to record the industrial luminaries of his day and it was shown at the ‘Museum of the Commissioners of Patents at South Kensington’. Other portraits of this nature are held at the Science Museum in London.

fig 2. An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame.
fig 2. Thornton Rippingille, Portrait of the Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting

Held within a handsome gilt frame.

Due to the size of this piece, overseas delivery may take longer than usual.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board

Overall size: 42½” x 52½” / 108cm x 133cm

Year of creation: 1857

fig 3. An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame.
fig 3. Thornton Rippingille, Portrait of the Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting

Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse with the name of the artist and sitter. Presumably copied across from the reverse of the canvas prior to laying on board. The date on the reverse states 1837, which is incorrect as it was produced in 1857.

fig 4. An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame.
fig 4. Thornton Rippingille, Portrait of the Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting

Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.

Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Thornton Rippingille was a British portrait artist predominantly known for his fine depictions of industrial entrepreneurs and inventors, which were often commissioned by his patron Bennet Woodcroft FRS (1803-1879). He was trained by his father, Edward Villiers Rippingille (1798-1859), who exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and was a close associate of Francis Danby. His career was cut short at the age of 33 and, hence, very few examples of his works remain. He’s represented at the Science Museum.

Learn more about Thornton Rippingille in our directory.

Date of Manufacture

Brave Fine Art has dated this Antique Oil Painting to the 1850s.

Height
133cm (52.36")
Width
108cm (42.52")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1021086
Brave Fine Art
Brave Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2018

Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brave Fine Art Profile Page

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An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Thornton Rippingille, Portrait of the Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting

Archive II An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View II
Archive III An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View III
Archive IV An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View IV
Archive V An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View V
Archive VI An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View VI
Archive VII An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View VII
Archive VIII An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View VIII
Archive IX An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View IX
Archive X An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame. View X
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Telephone 01684 215986
Location
21 Enterprise Way
Arle Road
Cheltenham
Cotswolds
GL51 8LZ
United Kingdom

Under appointment only.
Verified Since Nov 2018
Items For Sale 76
Items Sold 1,853
Brave Fine Art
Brave Fine Art
Verified Since Nov 2018
View Dealer Info
Location: 21 Enterprise Way, Arle Road, Cheltenham, Cotswolds, GL51 8LZ, United Kingdom, , Under appointment only.
Verified
Nov 2018
For Sale
76
Sold
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An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame.
Thornton Rippingille, Portrait Of The Inventor Thomas Dunn - Large Antique Oil Painting
Ref: SA1021086
An antique oil painting depicting a seated gentleman in a dark suit within an ornate gilt frame.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectPaintings
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian & Gothic
  • MaterialCanvas, Oil Paint, Gilt Wood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsFigurative portraiture, Ornate gilt frame, Chiaroscuro lighting
  • SizeH 133 cm (52 in) x W 108 cm (43 in) x D 7 cm (3 in)

Oil portraiture has a long tradition in Britain, serving as a primary medium for documenting prominent figures, aristocrats, and professionals from the sixteenth century onwards, with techniques evolving through various artistic movements.

Traditional oil paintings are typically executed on woven canvas stretched over wooden stretcher frames or painted on wood panels, utilising linseed oil binders mixed with ground pigments, housed within hand-carved and gilded wooden frames.

Authenticity is assessed through examining the canvas weave, pigment composition, craquelure patterns under magnification, stretcher frame construction, and artist signatures or historical documentation on the reverse.

An antique portrait adds depth and historical contrast to modern spaces when hung as a focal point against neutral walls, paired with minimalist furnishings to highlight the classical artwork.

Preservation requires maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels, keeping paintings out of direct sunlight to prevent fading, and avoiding chemical cleaners on the canvas or gilded frame.
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