Lot 227: John Scarlett Davis 1804-1844 , View of Chepstow; portrait of a gentleman

the first signed l.r.: Scarlett Davis / 1834; the second signed l.r.: J.S.Davis / 1827 the first: watercolour over pencil with stopping out and gum arabic; the second: pencil Quantity: 2

the first: 19.9 by 32.9 cm.; 7 7/8 by 13 in.; the second: 16.3 by 14 cm., 6 1/2 by 5 1/2 in.

(Portrait of a Gentleman);
N.D. Newall

In the present watercolour John Scarlett Davis places the viewer on an elevated position overlooking the forest of Dean and the river Wye, with the town of Chepstow beyond. Scarlett Davis is known to have travelled to Wales in 1822, and the present worked dated 1834 appears to be based on sketches executed by the artist during that tour.

Although John Scarlett Davis is chiefly remembered for his watercolours he also achieved success as a portraitist. The Portrait of a Gentleman, also included in this lot, is an example of his accomplished draughtsmanship.