Lot 82: Dick Whittington and his cat

Sir William Allan, R.A., P.R.S.A. (1782-1850) Dick Whittington and his cat signed and dated 'William Allan/pinxt 1836' (lower left) oil on panel 40¼ x 63¾ in. (102.2 x 162 cm.)

London, Royal Academy, 1836, no. 13.

Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 8 November 1967, lot 126.

Sir William Allan's picture depicts one of the most well-loved of English folk tales. An inscription on the reverse begins: 'The picture represents that moment in the popular story of Whittington, at which he unknowingly lays the foundation of his fortune by parting with his cat'.

The cat is indeed instrumental in Whittington's story (and is today commemorated by a statue at Highgate). Whittington, a poor orphan who seeks his fortune in London, secures the animal to rid his lodgings of mice. When his employer, Mr Fitzwarren, offers all servants the chance to contribute some object which may prove a profitable wager when his ships next set sail, Whittington parts with his cat - his sole possession. Allan's characterisation captures the tension of the moment. Whittington is encouraged by Mr Fitzwarren's daughter, Alice, his eventual bride. The household cook appears to express her contempt of the bargain.

Whilst his feline companion is at sea Whittington suffers further abuse and runs away, but is waylaid by the Bow bells which seem to convey the message: 'Turn again, Whittington, Thrice Lord Mayor of London'. He returns, hopeful that his fortune might change. Meanwhile his cat has won plaudits from a North African king whose court had been overrun by vermin. The king rewards the merchant's envoy with gold and jewels - in deference to the cat's performance. Upon the ship's return Mr Fitzwarren rightly bequeathes this to Whittington. The boy's reputation is established; in due course he becomes Sheriff of London and - as predicted - three times Mayor.

The fictional character Dick Whittington was based upon Richard Whittington (circa 1350-1423), whose success as a cloth-trader and money-lender in the City of London led to his promotion as councilman and alderman. He was proposed as Mayor in 1397 under the auspices of Richard II. Whittington used his position of favour with the King to negotiate the return of property that Richard had seized from civic ownership due to alleged misgovernment. This augmented his popularity and he was elected mayor on 13 October 1398. He was re-elected on three subsequent occasions; in 1416 becoming an MP. His tenure was characterised by constructive initiatives such as the building of Newgate prison and the institution of new drainage systems within the City. The inspiration for the legend of Dick Whittington is thought to derive from a contemporary engraving in which Richard appears to rest his hand on a cat.

William Allan led a life as eventful as his fictional subject. In 1805 he was wrecked off the coast of Russia, at Memel. He paid his way by painting pictures, and travelled the country studying the manners of Cossacks, Circassians and Tartars. He returned to Scotland in 1814, and the following year exhibited Circassian Captives to acclaim. Although based in Edinburgh, he continued to travel widely for inspiration. His war picture, Battle of Waterloo from the English side, was purchased by the Duke of Wellington in 1843.