Attributed to SIR FRANCIS GRANT, PRA (Scottish 1803-1878). Portrait of a Young Man, George Osbaldeston, Mid-19th Century...

Description

Attributed to SIR FRANCIS GRANT, PRA (Scottish 1803-1878)
Portrait of a Young Man, George Osbaldeston, Mid-19th Century
Oil on canvas
102 x 80-1/2 inches (259.1 x 204.5 cm)
Unsigned

Provenance:
Crow Art Partnership Collection, Dallas, Texas

Francis Grant was born to a wealthy Scottish landowner in 1803 at Edinburgh. While his early life was spent indulging a passion for fox hunting and collecting sporting paintings, he took up painting the outdoors he had loved so much following the death of his father. In Portrait of a Young Man, George Osbaldeston, Grant portrays a young gentleman posing beside his favorite mount, a striking white horse, while flanked by two hounds and a terrier, ready for the excitement of the next hunt. The subject of the portrait is believed to be George Osbaldeston, a famous sportsman of the period, owing to the man's resemblance to a much smaller likeness of Osbaldston by Grant, now in the National Portrait Gallery, London. Osbaldeston was famous for his antics on horseback, having once trotted his noted American horse Tom Thumb over 100 miles in 10 hours.

The detail Grant achieved in this portrait is remarkable, especially considering its monumental scale at 102 by 80 ½ inches.His flair for blending the particulars of landscape, a sporting scene, and highly refined portraiture won him tremendous fame and popularity. He was ultimately knighted soon after becoming president of the Royal Academy in 1866. Queen Victoria, Sir Walter Scott (the author of Ivanhoe), Macaulay, Disraeli, and many other lumninaries sat to him, and many of his most distinguished likenesses are preserved in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.