Lot 1129 , R* Sheridan (1764-1790) Portrait of C H Knight aged 34 years, October 1785, 17 x 13.5in.

R* Sheridan (1764-1790)
oil on canvas,
Portrait of C H Knight aged 34 years, October 1785,
inscribed verso,
17 x 13.5in.
Estimate £200-300

Oil on original canvas with extensive inscription verso, detailing the sitter describing him as father of Charles Knight Author and Publisher, original canvas with very slight outward bulging, one small possibly retouched hole at 2 o'clock, otherwise paint rather dark and dirty but no other faults noted, in a later card mount and oval gilt frame, does not appear to be signed, back of canvas fully inscribed with details of sitter and artist.

Note: J Sheridan was born in Kilkenny. Studied at Dublin Society's Schools. Entered R. A. Schools 1789. He is listed in R. A. catalogue as 'R. Sheridan'. Died London as a 'broken man'.

This is his entry in the Library of Ireland:

Sheridan J (d. 1790)

Was a native of the county of Kilkenny, and studied in the Dublin Society's Schools. Before he had acquired a sufficient proficiency in his art he went to London and sought practice as a portrait painter. He worked hard, but although possessed of undoubted talents as an artist he was not successful, and had a hard struggle even to support himself. He exhibited four portraits at the Royal Academy in 1786, 1788 and 1789, amongst them a portrait of himself and one of J. Kemble, jun., in 1786, and a portrait of a lady, which can be distinguished in Martini's engraving of Ramberg's drawing of the Academy in 1788. He also exhibited two portraits at the Society of Artists in 1790. Worn out by privations and his unsuccessful efforts, he died in London an utterly broken man in 1790.

Our valuer consulted R. A. records for the mistaken listing of Sheridan as 'R' rather than 'J'.



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