Lot 86: John Ritchie (British, active 1858-1875) The captain's auction

The captain's auction
signed 'J. Ritchie' (lower left)
oil on canvas
61 x 92cm (24 x 36 1/4in).

PROVENANCE:
Sale, Sotheby's London, 27 June 2006, lot 36

A relatively unknown painter considering the quality of his known works, John Ritchie is best known for the two London scenes that he exhibited at the Liverpool Academy in 1858, A Summer Day in Hyde Park and A Winter Day in St James's Park. As with the present lot, these works were great depictions of contemporary Victorian life, the attention to detail and range of expressions are typical of the artist. The present lot shows a military pensioner in the centre who one could assume is the owner of the contents of the house auction that is taking place. His old uniform, duelling pistols and effects are being sold off and judging by his expression the sale is out of necessity as he clasps his only remaining possession, his canary. Another version of this subject was sold at Sotheby's, New York, 28 October 2003, lot 70.