The human face: Five fascinating portraits at upcoming fine art auction
28 October 2024 The sale at Parker Fine Art Auctions on November 7 will include 300 lots of pictures, 100 frames and also a library of art books which have come from a deceased artist’s studio.
This Charles Keeping (1924-1988) self portrait lithograph from 1956. Signed and numbered, it is estimated at £800-1200. View the catalogue entry for this Charles Keeping lithograph.
It also has a good number of portraits from different eras and in different mediums, but all giving intriguing insights into the minds of the sitters, creators and in some cases the person who commissioned them.
Here’s five lots to look out for.
1. Mary Beale portrait
A bust-length portrait by Mary Beale (1633-1699) is among the lots being offered at the Parker Fine Art Auctions sale in Farnham. The 18 x 15in (46 x 38cm) oil on canvas comes in a fine carved giltwood frame and the saleroom believes it to be an early self portrait from the 1660s. It has been consigned from a private collection and is estimated at £20,000-30,000. View the catalogue entry for this Mary Beale portrait.
2. Portrait of a boy
A small Henry Tonks (1862-1937) portrait of a boy also features among the lots at the Parker Fine Art Auctions sale. The oil on canvas has provenance to the estate of Avery Colebrooke whom it is thought it might depict. The estimate is £1500-2000. View the catalogue entry for this Henry Tonks portrait.
3. Walter Greaves sketch
This ink, pencil and wash sketch is by Walter Greaves (1846-1930). Dating from c.1875, it depicts Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) and is estimated at £1000-2000. View the catalogue entry for this Walter Greaves sketch.
4. Scottish portrait
This late 18th century Scottish school portrait depicts Robert Rae, the son of Colin Rae who owned Aikenhead House and died aged 11. Showing Aikenhead House in the background, the oil on canvas is also thought to depict the Campsie Fells and Glasgow Cathedral in the distance. The estimate is £3000-4000. View the catalogue entry for this portrait.
5. Charles Keeping print
This Charles Keeping (1924-1988) self portrait lithograph from 1956. Signed and numbered, it is estimated at £800-1200. View the catalogue entry for this Charles Keeping lithograph.
