Lot 866: Robert Freebairn (1764-1808) LANDSCAPE IN THE

Robert Freebairn (1764-1808) LANDSCAPE IN THE ROMAN CAMPAGNA FROM NEAR THE VILLA MADAMA 98 x 136cm, in a fine contemporary giltwood and composition imbricated frame with an early inventory label numbered 12 on the reverse Provenance: Edward Clive, 2nd Lord Clive and subsequently 1st Earl of Powis (1754-1839) Freebairn's patron; thence by descent at Powis Castle or Walcot Hall until purchased at the house sale at the latter by the parents of the present vendor, circa 1930. Although conclusive evidence has yet to reveal the early history of this fine 18th century landscape by Philip Reinagle and Richard Wilson's pupil, Robert Freebairn, its provenance very likely lies with the Clive family, as suggested above. What is beyond doubt is that it has remained in untouched 'country house' condition since its purchase in about 1930 and that Walcot Hall in Shropshire was a seat of the Clive family since the mid 18th c. It was largely rebuilt for the 1st Lord Clive (Clive of India) by Sir William Chambers and its estate eventually extended to 40,000 acres. The Clives were major patrons of Freebairns, commissioning views of Powis Castle (1), Walcot Hall (2), two pairs of Italianate landscapes (3) and others. The present picture is likely to have been acquired by the 1st Earl (see above) or his brother-in-law, George Herbert, 2nd Earl of Powis (1755-1801). Its subject, Raphael's Villa Madama (1518-1525) on the slopes of the Monte Mario was a favourite of Richard Wilson. Robert Freebairn arrived in Italy at Easter 1787 and remained there until March 1791. Between 1789 and 1791 he sent pictures to the Royal Academy from Rome. It has been stated (4) that whilst in Italy he was patronised by 'Lord Powis' and Edward Clive is known to have stayed in Rome at various times during 1787, 1788 and 1790. Notes (1) 45 x 62 inches, Christie's, 6 November 1959, lot 87; Illustrated Waterhouse (E), British 18th Century Painters in Oils and Crayons. (2) 46 x 61 inches, Bearne's, Torquay, 25 October 1994, lot 671. (3) 'Landscapes Lakes Temples and Figures', 42 x 54 inches and 'Landscapes Swiss Mountains Lakes and Figures', 32 x 48 inches. Transferred from Walcot Hall to Powis Castle in 1930 (Inventory in the possession of the National Trust at Powis Castle) (4) Dictionary of National Biography. £20000-30000