Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

Antique Scottish Oil Portrait, 1914 – David Alison R.S.A.
A fine and evocative early 20th-century Scottish oil on canvas portrait, signed and dated 1914 by David Alison RSA (1882–1955). This accomplished Edwardian portrait of a young girl reading depicts the blonde sitter seated in quiet concentration, absorbed in her book, with a cherished teddy bear resting beside her. The scene conveys tenderness, calm and narrative charm, making it a highly desirable example of traditional Scottish portraiture.

Medium & Subject
Oil on canvas, signed and dated. A three-quarter length seated portrait of a child reading, enriched by the inclusion of a teddy bear, adding warmth and emotional depth. The painting balances decorative appeal with genuine artistic sensitivity.

Composition & Technique
The artist demonstrates excellent tonal control, setting the figure against a cool, softly modulated background of greys and muted blue tones. This restrained palette allows the sitter to emerge clearly while creating atmosphere and depth.
The white dress is modelled in warm creams and silvery shadows, giving weight and realism to the fabric. A deep crimson sash and trim introduce contrast and visual rhythm, leading the eye back to the child’s face. Her hair is delicately rendered with luminous highlights, and the flesh tones are handled with great subtlety, producing a lifelike softness characteristic of Alison’s best early work.

Artist
David Alison was one of Scotland’s most respected portrait painters of the early 20th century. Born in Dysart, Fife, he trained at the Glasgow School of Art and later studied on the Continent. In 1913 he was appointed Head of Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art.
He served during the First World War and was wounded at Gallipoli in 1915. Elected an Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1916, he later became a full Academician. His portraits—particularly early, dated works of children—are increasingly sought after by collectors.

Historical Context
Painted in 1914, at the close of the Edwardian era and immediately before the outbreak of the First World War, this work captures a moment of domestic calm and innocence from a pivotal period in British history.

Frame
Housed in its original substantial decorative gilt frame, appropriate to the period and enhancing the painting’s strong wall presence.


Provenance
Private Scottish collection. Bearing a notable Scottish auction label verso acquired via Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh now in the collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Condition
Good antique condition consistent with age. The paint surface shows areas of foxing, dirt, staining and discolouration, with some craquelure and minor paint loss at the edges. The frame shows general wear including scuffs, chips and small losses. The protective glass shows scratches and foxing. Cleaning is recommended to restore full tonal clarity.

Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packed and fully insured for safe international delivery.
A rare and appealing 1914 Scottish oil portrait by a Royal Scottish Academy artist, combining strong decorative impact with historical and artistic significance.
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Registered Office Address

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775


Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.