A portrait of large proportions, titled 'The Hon. Stutt Esq.', signed by the artist, Frank Thomas Copnall (1870-1949), to lower left and verso, and dated '1937'.
Frank Thomas Copnall was a turn-of-the-century and early twentieth century portraitist, who exhibited over 50 pictures – mainly portraits - at the Royal Academy and 20 at the Royal Society of Arts, during a long and distinguished career. Born on the Isle of Wight, he settled in Hoylake in Cheshire and established a very successful studio in Liverpool, which was widely patronised by the wealthy merchant class of the city. Copnall became something of an artistic institution in Liverpool and rose to become President of both the Liver Sketching Club and the Liverpool Art Club. The family home was a hive of artistic activity: his wife, Theresa, was an exhibited artist in her own right and Frank’s nephew Edward, who came to work in the family business, became the well-known sculptor, Edward Bainbridge Copnall. Copnall’s portraiture was faithful and accurate but could also be impressionistic and sketchy in the manner of Sargent, with bold dashes of colour.
This work was exhibited at the Royal Academy's United Artists' Exhibition in 1940 (Burlington House, 5th January - 9th March) and retains the associated labels verso. The exhibition was visited by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on 16th February 1940.
The work is housed in its original gilt gesso frame which has a loss to the lower left (please see photographs) but otherwise remains in a good attractive condition. The work itself is finely executed; when examined at close quarters, the artist's trademark dashes of colour, almost impressionistic, are evident to the face, yet there is notable attention to detail throughout with the artist paying close attention to the gloss on the arm of the sitter's chair and the gleam of the gold watch chain.
A striking and handsome work.
Dimensions (framed):
Height: 136cm
Width: 113cm
Depth: 6cm
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