Portrait of Sir David Wilkie by George Wickham

ML 1659

fonds

probably between 1808 and 1869

Graphic Materials, Paintings

9684098

1 painting - visible image 31 x 25 cm, in frame 44 x 38 cm - oil on board

George Wickham was born on 16 February 1828 in London, England, and arrived in Sydney, Australia with his parents and brother on the ship The Brothers on 25 August 1832. The family settled in Parramatta, where George Snr was appointed Postmaster from 1 April 1838. Following his schooling, George Jnr worked in the post office and on 5 March 1847, he joined the NSW Government Service, working his way up from Writing Clerk to Chief Clerk at various Sydney gaols. Painting was a lifelong hobby of George and in 1849, he exhibited three works which were mentioned in the Sydney Morning Herald. His known works include Howells Mill in Parramatta (held at Library ML 1050); Sydney Harbour, circa 1870; still life of birds and a hare (held at Library ML 1658). George died on 11 January 1894 in Parramatta.

Reference:
Library acquisition file and research courtesy of donor.

This painting has remained in the Wickham family from its creation. Exhibited as item 60 in Colonial Works of Art at the Chamber of Commerce, March 1872

1 oil on board painting by George Wickham of Sir David Wilkie, probably painted in between 1808 and 1869. It shows Wilkie as a young man dressed in a dark coat with a white shirt collar and neck ruffle, is seated and holding a painting palette with brushes. The work is framed and includes a carved medallion in the centre bottom of the frame, "Wilkie".

Out of copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Two modern labels on verso, "George Wickham, copy of old master: 1828-1894” and "Frame made also by George Wickham".

George Wickham may have copied this work from the mezzotint of Sir David Wilkie by engraver John Young (1755-1825), after an oil painting dated about 1808-1809 by Sir William Beechey (1753-1839), currently in the collection of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Date range based on date the original work was made and the date the reproduction by Wickham was first exhibited.