A portrait of Albert Vickers by John Singer Sargent
Vickers is undoubtedly one of the best known names in British engineering and it is indeed sad that their final remaining plant will close at the end of this year following the company having been absorbed into BAE Systems.
Two stories to keep beside you
Mastering Masterpiece
The world’s finest art, antiques and design fair The fourth annual Masterpiece art, antiques and design fair opened this morning. It truly represents the finest showcase of the best of the best and is a must for collectors and connoiseurs.
A Modern Masterpiece
Victorian farmhouse transformed into an Anglo-Baroque-style masterpiece by Robert Adam complete with a lion from Chuchill’s garden on the roof for sale Eccentric homes are only going to ever appeal to eccentric people and that is perhaps why “strawberry coloured” Eastwood Farm at Herstmonceux in East Sussex has not sold in six years. Now […]
At Masterpiece 2013, however, seeing a portrait of Albert Vickers (1838 – 1919), chairman of the company between 1909 – 1918, reminded me not only of the importance of this business but also of the fine works of John Singer Sargent (1856 – 1925).
Singer Sargent, an American portrait painter who was born in Florence, is especially famous for two quotes: “Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend” and “I do not judge, I only chronicle”. The artist also painted Albert Vickers with his wife in 1884 in a work, now shown in the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, entitled “A dinner table at night”.
Commissioned by Albert Vickers’ brother Thomas, this particular charcoal on paper portrait was executed in 1912 and is for sale through London and New York based dealers Trinity House. It truly is spectacular.
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