Sir William Beechey Ra (1753-1839) - Portrait Of William Perryn Of Langton

A fine-quality portrait of William Perryn of Langton, painted in the early 19th century by Sir William Beechey RA (1753-1839). The handsome, gray-haired sitter is depicted half-length in a vast landscape. He wears the traditional costume of well-to-do gentlemen of the period: a dark velvet double-breasted jacket over a white shirt and an extravagant bow tie. Behind him, fields, trees, and a river stretch as far as the eye can see, including a church steeple. Sir William Beechey RA (1753-1839): Born in Burford, Oxfordshire, Beechey was raised by his uncle and began his apprenticeship in a solicitors' office. In 1772, he moved to London to attend the Royal Academy School. He married soon after and counted among his children the painter and explorer Henry William. From around 1782, he worked in Norwich and returned to London in 1787. Widowed in 1793, Beechey married the miniaturist Anne Phyllis Jessop. In 1794, he became a member of the Royal Academy, was knighted, and exhibited "Her Majesty Reviewing the Third Regiment of Dragoons," his most famous work. He was appointed portrait painter to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and principal portraitist to William IV before his death at the age of 85. Beechey possessed a particularly refined and elegant neoclassical style, which he evoked through the use of darker backgrounds to highlight his sitters in soothing colors. The artist reached the height of his career when he came to the attention of the royal family. King George III and his wife, Queen Charlotte, found Beechey's style extremely appealing. He was appointed portrait painter to Queen Charlotte, a promotion that earned him admission to the Royal Academy. The artist's work during the reign of King George III is often considered his finest. Sadly, his most famous work (which earned him a knighthood) was destroyed in the fire at Windsor Castle in 1992. This magnificent portrait is still relevant today and is presented in an excellent condition. It comes in its original, carefully restored, carved and gilded Carlo Maratta frame. High-resolution images available upon request. International delivery available. Canvas: 78 cm x 65 cm. Frame: 92 cm x 60 cm.