Lot 48: John Tobias Young , 1755 - 1824 View of Southampton across the River Itchen, with Southampton Water beyond oil on panel, held in a French Louis XIV style frame

signed and indistinctly dated l.r.: J.T.Jung pinxt AD 18..(?) oil on panel, held in a French Louis XIV style frame

measurements note 58.5 by 83 cm., 23 by 32 3/4 in.

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
The view is taken from Pear Tree Green above Lances Hill looking towards Bitterne in the middle ground and Southampton beyond. The citadel like structure towering over the city is Southampton Castle. In 1804 the ruins of the Norman fortification were incorporated into a 'Gothic' castle. The 'gothic' additions were however removed in 1818 and the mound lowered four years later. This painting therefore appears to date from between 1804 and 1818.

John Tobias Young, sometimes known as Tobias Young, was probably born in Mildenhall near Marlborough and subsequently lived at 1 Hanover Buildings, Southampton until his death. He is though to have painted the scenery for Lord Barrymore's theatre at Wargrave from 1788-92, and his obituary mentions his painting of the Judgement of Solomon dated 1810 (presented to the City of Southampton). However, he is best known for his charmingly detailed landscape views such as this painting. Several views such as this of Southampton and the surrounding countryside by John Tobias Young now hang in Southampton City Art Gallery. A very similar composition was sold in these rooms, 13th April 1994, lot 9 (£7,495).