Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) historian

Henry Walton (1746 - 1813)

Oil on wood panel (oval)

  • About the work

    When this portrait was sold through Sotheby's in 1988 the catalogue entry included the following:

    'There are surprisingly few portraits of Gibbon. Indeed, apart from the portrait by Reynolds (Private collection, Scotland), he was only painted in oils by his friend Henry Walton. As was often his practice, Walton then repeated the portrait for Gibbin's family and friends. Other versions are recorded (see M. Rajnai, 'Paintings by Henry Walton', an Exhibition catalogue, 1963, pp.9-10)'

  • About the artist
    Henry Walton studied in London under the German-born painter Johann Zoffany, who was one of the most prominent artists working in England in the eighteenth century. Walton specialised in ‘conversation pieces’, small and informal group portraits, set often in domestic interiors or gardens. He also exhibited genre paintings, and similarities between his work and that of the French artist, Jean-Siméon Chardin, may indicate that he visited France. He moved back to his native East Anglia around 1780 and concentrated on painting portraits for the rest of his career.
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  • Details
    Title
    Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) historian
    Date
    Medium
    Oil on wood panel (oval)
    Dimensions
    height: 24.50 cm, width: 18.00 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Sotheby's, 13 July 1988
    Inscription
    none
    Provenance
    Sold through Sotheby's, London, 'British Paintings 1500-1850' sale, on 13 July 1988 (Lot 52); from which sale purchased by the Government Art Collection
    GAC number
    16642