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B. J. M. Donne Watercolour Roman Ruins 1881
We are offering this very well executed and subtly toned watercolour by the artist Benjamin John Merefield Donne, who has signed the painting in the lower right hand corner and inscribed it to the lower left Via Appia '81. He has also written on the back 'Ruined tomb on the Appian Way'. There are two goats grazing beneath the ruined archway of one of the Roman Tombs that line the Via Appia. There is a small white building over to the right of the landscape.
The Appian Way or Via Appia Antica in Rome is one of the most famous ancient roads. It was built in 312 B.C. by Appius Claudius Caecus. In it’s entirety it spanned 350 miles (563kms). The Appian Way stretched from the Roman Forum to modern day Brindisi. Large stones made up the bulk of its construction and a softer gravel that was compacted between the rocks cemented it. Roman roads and especially the Appian Way were extremely important to Rome. It allowed trade and access to the east, specifically Greece.
The Appian Way is visible today and many significant tombs and architecture line its borders. It was this Via Appia Antica road that many events took place. It might be most famous for its role in the slave revolt lead by Spartacus in 73 B.C. After the Roman army subdued the insurrection they crucified more than 6000 slaves and lined the Appian Way for 130 miles with their bodies.
Benjamin John Merefield Donne was born on 18th June 1831 in Clifton, Bristol, the son of an accountant. His father became embroiled in a riot at the Mansion House and was arrested, charged with stealing a brass weight from the King and imprisoned for a year. Benjamin and his sister Elizabeth went to stay with their mother's unmarried sister but were later adopted by a childless distant relative in Crewkerne and became heirs to her considerable wealth upon her death. He married Jane nee Bradley (1832-1898) in 1854 and they had five children. He gave his occupation as 'Gentleman'.
By the Census of 1861, they were living at Mill Mead, Axmouth, Devon with four servants and their children who were:
Anna Jame Merefield Donne born 1854
Benjamin Donisthorpe Alsop Donne born 1856, died 1907
Mary Rose Donne born 1859 - Married George Gordon Hake
Eva Donne born 1862
Henry Richard Beadon Donne born 1860 died 1949
There is a watercolour of the water wheel at Mill Mead in the British Museum by Benjamin J. M. Donne. There is also an example in Exeter Museum.
By the Census of 1891 Benjamin & Jane were living at Ellington House, Sidmouth Street, Seaton, Devon with three servants, Anna and Eva Donne, a visitor and their grandson, Guy Hake, Mary's son. Benjamin listed his occupation as Land and Fund Holder.
Jane died in 1898 and in 1899 Benjamin married Elizabeth Minnie Anne Swinny, who died in 1911. Benjamin died in 1928.
Although, like their father, none of his children listed themselves as artists, but Benjamin Junior, Henry, Anna and Mary Rose all painted. Mary Rose has three watercolours listed on artprice and her sketchbook is on pinterest. Benjamin Jr. and Henry both joined the army and retired as Colonels. Benjamin Jr. die quite young and has 3 listings on artprice.com and Henry has 64 watercolours listed, some of mountains and they both painted views on their travels in the army.
In The Dictionary of British Artists, Benjamin, Senior and Junior, Anna, (Mary) Rose Donne also listed as Mrs. Rose Hake, Henry, Mrs. E. M. A. are all listed as exhibiting artists. Benjamin Senior exhibited from 1880-1901 and is also listed alongside Benjamin Jr. in the dictionary of British Watercolour Artists by Mallalieu, who states that B. J. M. Donne was a painter of landscapes, coastal and occasional classical subjects. Several exhibitions of his work, which is free and atmospheric, were held at the Dowdeswell Galleries, London in the 1880s.
We know the Benjamin J. M. Donne was in Italy during the 1880s, and from 1880-1882 Benjamin Jr. was commanding the Military Police on the island of Cyprus, so are quite sure that this is by his father.
The watercolour has been newly double mounted in two-tone acid-free mountboard and has been newly framed in a bronze/gilt frame. It will be supplied wired with new brass hangers, new brass picture wire and ready to hang.
Image size:10 3/8" x 7 3/8" - 26.35cm x 18.75cm
Frame size: 17 5/8" x 14 7/8" - 44.75cm x 37.8cm
Medium: Watercolours on paper
Condition: Very good. The colours are bright and there is no foxing, discolouration or damage. The mounts and frame are new.
SellerStudio RT Ltd
View all stock from
Studio RT Ltd
Private Art dealer
By appointment only
Kent
England, UK
Tel : 01622 812556
Non UK callers : +44 1622 812556
The Appian Way or Via Appia Antica in Rome is one of the most famous ancient roads. It was built in 312 B.C. by Appius Claudius Caecus. In it’s entirety it spanned 350 miles (563kms). The Appian Way stretched from the Roman Forum to modern day Brindisi. Large stones made up the bulk of its construction and a softer gravel that was compacted between the rocks cemented it. Roman roads and especially the Appian Way were extremely important to Rome. It allowed trade and access to the east, specifically Greece.
The Appian Way is visible today and many significant tombs and architecture line its borders. It was this Via Appia Antica road that many events took place. It might be most famous for its role in the slave revolt lead by Spartacus in 73 B.C. After the Roman army subdued the insurrection they crucified more than 6000 slaves and lined the Appian Way for 130 miles with their bodies.
Benjamin John Merefield Donne was born on 18th June 1831 in Clifton, Bristol, the son of an accountant. His father became embroiled in a riot at the Mansion House and was arrested, charged with stealing a brass weight from the King and imprisoned for a year. Benjamin and his sister Elizabeth went to stay with their mother's unmarried sister but were later adopted by a childless distant relative in Crewkerne and became heirs to her considerable wealth upon her death. He married Jane nee Bradley (1832-1898) in 1854 and they had five children. He gave his occupation as 'Gentleman'.
By the Census of 1861, they were living at Mill Mead, Axmouth, Devon with four servants and their children who were:
Anna Jame Merefield Donne born 1854
Benjamin Donisthorpe Alsop Donne born 1856, died 1907
Mary Rose Donne born 1859 - Married George Gordon Hake
Eva Donne born 1862
Henry Richard Beadon Donne born 1860 died 1949
There is a watercolour of the water wheel at Mill Mead in the British Museum by Benjamin J. M. Donne. There is also an example in Exeter Museum.
By the Census of 1891 Benjamin & Jane were living at Ellington House, Sidmouth Street, Seaton, Devon with three servants, Anna and Eva Donne, a visitor and their grandson, Guy Hake, Mary's son. Benjamin listed his occupation as Land and Fund Holder.
Jane died in 1898 and in 1899 Benjamin married Elizabeth Minnie Anne Swinny, who died in 1911. Benjamin died in 1928.
Although, like their father, none of his children listed themselves as artists, but Benjamin Junior, Henry, Anna and Mary Rose all painted. Mary Rose has three watercolours listed on artprice and her sketchbook is on pinterest. Benjamin Jr. and Henry both joined the army and retired as Colonels. Benjamin Jr. die quite young and has 3 listings on artprice.com and Henry has 64 watercolours listed, some of mountains and they both painted views on their travels in the army.
In The Dictionary of British Artists, Benjamin, Senior and Junior, Anna, (Mary) Rose Donne also listed as Mrs. Rose Hake, Henry, Mrs. E. M. A. are all listed as exhibiting artists. Benjamin Senior exhibited from 1880-1901 and is also listed alongside Benjamin Jr. in the dictionary of British Watercolour Artists by Mallalieu, who states that B. J. M. Donne was a painter of landscapes, coastal and occasional classical subjects. Several exhibitions of his work, which is free and atmospheric, were held at the Dowdeswell Galleries, London in the 1880s.
We know the Benjamin J. M. Donne was in Italy during the 1880s, and from 1880-1882 Benjamin Jr. was commanding the Military Police on the island of Cyprus, so are quite sure that this is by his father.
The watercolour has been newly double mounted in two-tone acid-free mountboard and has been newly framed in a bronze/gilt frame. It will be supplied wired with new brass hangers, new brass picture wire and ready to hang.
Image size:10 3/8" x 7 3/8" - 26.35cm x 18.75cm
Frame size: 17 5/8" x 14 7/8" - 44.75cm x 37.8cm
Medium: Watercolours on paper
Condition: Very good. The colours are bright and there is no foxing, discolouration or damage. The mounts and frame are new.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 5/DEC/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Plus shipping cost. Please contact dealer with postcode for an at cost quote.
Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art
> Antique Watercolours
Date 1881
Late Victorian Antiques Material Paper
Origin English
Artist Benjamin John Merefield Donne
Item code as237a1992
Status For Sale
£195.00 
$248.76
€235.29
$248.76
€235.29
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 5/DEC/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Plus shipping cost. Please contact dealer with postcode for an at cost quote.
View all stock from
Studio RT Ltd
Private Art dealerBy appointment only
Kent
England, UK
Tel : 01622 812556
Non UK callers : +44 1622 812556
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