Attributed to James Howe (1780–1836)

Portrait of John Brash (born c.1782), dated 1815

A finely executed Scottish Regency portrait attributed to the Edinburgh artist James Howe (1780–1836), depicting John Brash, born about 1782.

The attribution is supported by an early handwritten label preserved on the reverse, identifying the sitter as John Brash, recording the date 1815, and naming James Howe of Edinburgh as the artist. Whilst such inscriptions should not be regarded as conclusive proof of authorship in isolation, they form an important part of the painting’s documentary history and provide a persuasive basis for the present attribution.  The 19th c century label appears to have been retained from an earlier frame and transferred when this was reframed in the early 20th century.

The reverse also retains its original Graves Gallery label, printed:

“The Graves Gallery – Ernest H. Hare, Successor.”

Founded through the philanthropy of John George Graves, the Graves Gallery became one of Britain’s leading municipal collections during the early twentieth century. The surviving label records the painting’s later passage through the gallery under the stewardship of Ernest H. Hare and provides an additional layer of early provenance. The portrait remains housed in its original gilt frame, preserving an unusually complete historical association between the painting, its frame and its surviving labels.

James Howe is remembered today as one of Scotland’s foremost painters of sporting subjects, horses and domestic animals. His work is represented in the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland, where numerous paintings and drawings by the artist are preserved. Although portraiture forms a comparatively small part of his recorded oeuvre, it is nevertheless documented. The National Army Museum holds Howe’s portrait of Major George Cunningham (1783–1838), 7th Bengal Native Infantry, Commanding 2nd Corps Rohilla Cavalry, painted circa 1820, demonstrating that portrait commissions formed part of his professional practice alongside the sporting works for which he became celebrated.

The present portrait displays many of the qualities associated with an accomplished Scottish painter working during the Regency period. The sitter is portrayed with a quiet dignity and naturalism, his head turned slightly to one side in a thoughtful pose. The flesh tones are subtly modelled with delicate transitions of light and shade, while the eyes possess an engaging liveliness that draws the viewer immediately to the face. The handling of the white linen collar and neckcloth is particularly assured, executed with confident, economical brushwork that contrasts effectively with the restrained treatment of the dark coat. Rather than relying upon elaborate costume or theatrical effect, the artist has concentrated on the individuality and expression of the sitter, producing a portrait of considerable presence and refinement.

Condition: Professionally cleaned and conserved. Presented in an early 20th century  gilt frame retaining the historic labels to the reverse.  

Measuring:   63 cm x 53 cm Frame:  74 cm x 64 cm

Scottish, c. 1815