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William Hilton II, R.A. (England, 1786-1839) oil on canvas bust-length painting of Shakespeare's King Lear in three-quarter view with left hand raised to display his shackled wrist. Heavy impasto describes highlights in Lear's hair and on the right side of his face while shadows obscure the left side. Unsigned. Housed in a giltwood frame with oval window. Canvas: 21 1/4" H x 25" W. Sight: 19 1/4" H x 23 1/2" W. Frame: 28 1/2" H x 32 3/4" W. Note: Lear's imprisonment occurs in act. 5, scene 3. A larger William Hilton painting of King Lear and his daughters was exhibited at the British Institution, London, 1814. Biographical note: "William Hilton was apprenticed to the engraver John Raphael Smith in 1800, and he began studying at the Royal Academy schools in 1806. In 1813, he was elected an associate of the academy, in 1819 a full academician, and he became keeper of the academy in 1827. Hilton was a keen advocate of historical painting at a time when prevailing tastes were more in favour of portraiture and landscapes. His friends included John Taylor, John Keats, Charles Lamb and John Clare, whose portrait he painted." (Source; National Portrait Gallery, London)
PROVENANCE: The collection of Jon E. Jones, Cookeville, TN, by descent from Robert "Bob" Jones, Jr., former President and Chancellor of Bob Jones University.
CONDITION: Overall very good condition within sight window. Canvas has been lined. Adhesive residue to extreme edges under frame, especially left and upper edge and lower right. 3/4" x 1/4" area of loss to upper left corner. Frame with abrasions and losses.
