Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are offering for sale this very well observed and executed portrait of Mary Ann Collmann, wife of Leonard W. Collmann dirca 1852 after Alfred George Stevens 1817-1875, by the artist Mary Langdon Edis (Lady Bennett), who has signed the painting EDIS in the lower right hand corner, as shown. The original of this painting is in The Tate, and can be viewed on google images. NB The Tate list this as a portrait of Mary Ann Collman, but, having researched the genealogy sites, no such person exists, Her husband, Leonard W. Collmann, (correctly entitled) was also painted by Alfred Stevens in 1854 and that portrait is in The Fitzwillaim Musseum, Cambridge.

The half length portrait depicts Mary Ann, at the age of about 24, wearing a brown dress with a double cream frill around the neck, and a cameo brooch. Mary Ann Collmann, 1830-1907, was the wife of Leonard William Collmann, 1816-1881, who was a decorative artist, and was probably known to Alfred Stevens, as they lived in a similar part of North London.

Alfred George Stevens was born in Blandford, Dorset in December 1817. The local Rector, Rev. Samuel Best, was so impressed by his artistic ability at the young age of 8, that he offered to send the young Alfred to Italy to be educated as an artist at his own expense. Alfred copied works from the Gallery in Florence, including sculptures, architectural details and life studies. He travelled through Italy with another student drawing artworks and architecture until he reached Rome, where he was given several commissions by the Danish sculptor Thorwaladen. After he had worked in Italy for nine years, and having problems with his sight, he returned to England, where he recovered.

After his return to England he taught at the Government School of Design (later the Royal College of Art), 1845–7, and in 1850–7 he was chief designer to a Sheffield firm of bronze- and metal-workers. In 1856 he entered the competition for the Wellington Monument to be erected in St Paul's Cathedral, and although his design was placed sixth, he was eventually awarded the commission. There are 118 examples of his work, including portraits, sculpture and drawings at ArtUK.org. He had a studio just off Haverstock Hill in London. He died in May 1875 of heart disease aggravated by bronchitis.

Mary Langdon Edis was born in London on 31st August 1881, although some of the census records give her birthdate as 1879. She was one of seven children, four of whom were step-siblings, and her father was an accountant. By 1911, she was living at home in Hampstead, 126 Abbey Road NW6, and was listed as an artist. In 1916, she married Thomas Penberthy Bennett, an architect, who was later to become Sir Thomas Penberthy Bennett KBE FRIBA and who became Minister for Bricks and Director of Works during WW2, which included overseeing of hospitals, POW camps, airfields, munitions factories etc. He was knighted in 1946. He was responsible for many notable buildings in London, and Crawley and Stevenage New Towns. She died on 27th February, 1976, at The Sycamores, North Road, Highgate, London followed by her husband in 1980.

In her career as an artist, she exhibited from 1910-1941, some 23 paintings, including 4 at the Royal Academy, Royal Oil Painters Institute 7 and 8 at the Society of Women Artists. One of her portraits hangs in the National Portrait Gallery and can be viewed on google. As a 20th Century portraitist, (she also painted some landscapes), most of her work may still be in private hands, as very little comes to the market. She is listed in The Dictionary of British Artists (Collectors' Club) and the Dictionary of British Portrait Painters up to 1920.

The painting has been newly framed in a 3 1/4 inch pale gilt frame. It will be supplied with new brass hangers, new brass picture wire and will be ready to hang.

Image size: 26 1/2 x 21 1/2 inches - 67.35cm x 54.6cm

Frame size: 33 1/2 x 28 1/2 inches - 85.1cm x 72.35cm

Medium: Oils on unlined canvas

Condition: Very good. The canvas is in good, clean condition with no damage or craquelure. The frame is new.