Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are offering for sale a very large and unusual watercolour by the artist J. J. HANNON, who has signed the painting in the lower right hand corner and dated it 1928. The painting depicts a view of a large room in a castle or palace, judging from the size of the fireplace to the right of the picture. There is a very long oak table with carved legs and stretcher, and around it are clustered a group of six men. Of course, one could fantasise and indeed it is a possibility that the painting is of a meeting with Cardinal Wolsey, dressed in his normal red robes, who is seated on an oak Glastonbury chair. At the right hand side of the table, might be Thomas Cromwell, who was Cardinal Wolsey's secretary and next to him are a pile of papers. The man on the extreme left of the table is wearing armour and may be a knight, while the gentleman sitting next to Cardinal Wolsey is very well dressed and has a sword hanging from his belt. He appears to be Continental, possibly Spanish, looking at the scabbard on his sword. There is an armour-clad man-at-arms guarding the door. Would it be possible that this is a discussion of the Divorce of Henry VIII from Katherine of Aragon? However, all that we really know is that this is a scene from Tudor times.

The mystery continues with the artist. We can find no biographical information from our usual sources, or indeed auction results from someone who paints with such a competent hand. As usual, if anyone viewing this listing knows any information about the artist, please let us know, we would be most grateful. We have found a couple of artists with this surname, but they were Belgian and had different initials.

The painting has been newly framed in a 2 3/4" gilt frame to suit and it is ready to hang.

Medium Watercolours