Old Master & British Works on Paper

John Smart

Four studies of fish

Lot Closed

July 6, 04:20 PM GMT

Estimate

1,200 - 1,800 GBP

Lot Details

Description

John Smart

Norwich 1742 - 1811 London

Four studies of fish

including a Blue Shark, an Albacore, a Sucking Fish and another

Four, each watercolour over pencil on laid paper,

two inscribed with the identities of the fish

each 150 by 194 mm

(4)

Mrs Dyer, Great-granddaughter of the artist,
her sale, London, Christie's, 26 November 1937, in lot 65, bt Ingram,
Sir Bruce Ingram (1877-1963), Chesham (L.1405a),
his executor's sale, London, Sotheby's, 9 December 1964, in lots 367 and 368,
by the descent to the present owner

These highly detailed watercolours come from a sketchbook used by Smart on his return from India in 1795. The book originally contained fifty-six pages of sketches and included studies of fish, dogs, bears and landscapes.¹

Smart was one of the leading portrait miniature artists of his day. He had travelled to Madras in 1785, where he was busily employed by members of the East India Company and where he also held the position of 'Court Miniaturist' to the Nawab of Arcot.

1. D. Foskett, John Smart, The Man and his Miniatures, London 1964, p. 34