James Wyatt
and his Granddaughter Mary Wyatt. Photo: Bonhams.
LONDON.- Brotherly rivalry is making headlines with the David
and Ed Miliband leadership contest, and in contrast now
Bonhams are to offer
an example of brotherly partnership in their 19th Century Paintings
auction on 29th September 2010.
The painting entitled ‘James Wyatt and his Granddaughter Mary Wyatt’
by William Henry Millais, who was assisted in its production by his
brother, the better-known Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir John Everett
Millais, is expected to fetch £20,000-30,000.
The stunning work for auction at Bonhams is a copy of John Everett
Millais’ painting of the same subject (1849), now in the collection of
Lord Lloyd Webber. The sitter’s son, James Wyatt Junior, liked the
original so much that he commissioned William Henry Millais, through his
older brother, to create a copy in 1850. John Everett Millais finished
the hands and faces of the sitters in his brother’s work, and
effectively acted as agent arranging the commission. Also included for
sale is a hand written letter from him to the client discussing the
painting and requesting payment.
Charles O’Brien, Department Head, comments, “It is known that the
face was painted by the older, more famous brother John Everett Millais,
but on close inspection it seems to me that his hand is evident
throughout the picture. It’s a beautiful picture infused with the light
of summer, made more wonderful by the hidden message of brotherly love –
the older brother supporting and wanting acclaim for his lesser known
sibling.”
James Wyatt (1774-1853) was the curator of the Duke of Marlborough’s
collection at Blenheim and Mayor of Oxford in 1842-3. He was also a
keen wood carver, and depicted on the table next to him is an oval oak
box carved by himself which was one of his treasured possessions. The
original box is also for sale with the painting and all three items
(painting, letter and box) are being offered for auction by his
descendants. Together they make a wonderful group and would be an asset
to any collection