Lot 179: John E. Bosanquet (1854-1869)

John E. Bosanquet (1854-1869)
Castle Kevin, Co. Cork
signed, indistinctly dated and inscribed 'BOSANQUET 18.. Cork' (lower right, overmounted)
pencil and watercolour heightened with touches of white
14¾ x 22 in. (37.6 x 55.8 cm.)

Laffan, Painting Ireland, 2006, pp. 38-39, pl. 16.

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Castle Kevin is located a short distance from Mallow in Co. Cork. It has been suggested that it takes its name from Kevin Roche, who was executed by Cromwell. It remained in the possession of the Roche family until the Confederate War, when it was handed over to William Thornhill, one of Cromwell's soldiers (Laffan, op. cit., pp. 110-111). By descent it was passed to Edward Badham-Thornhill, who was was the last member of the family to occupy Kevin Castle. He initiated substantial remodelling of the house before it was siezed by the Incumbered Estate Court in 1845. Three years later it was purchased by the Reeves family, who occupied it until 1935, when it was bought by the O'Connor family.

The present drawing depicts Kevin Castle after its remodelling. A young artist with his portfolio, perhaps Bosanquet himself, arrives at the house and is greeted by an elegant couple, presumably members of the Reeves family.