Richard Ansdell RA (1815-1885)

Richard Ansdell RA (1815-1885)
The Monastery
Signed and dated RAnsdell 1837 (lower left)
Oil on canvas
96.5 x 127.3cm; 38 x 50in

Provenance:
In the family of the present owner for at least three generations

This painting depicts a scene from The Monastery by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). Set in the Hall of Avenel Castle, it centres on the figure of Baron Julian Avenel, holding a goshawk. On the left is Catherine of Newport, his partner, and on the right is Christie of Clinthill, his chief henchman. Amongst the men in the background are Halbert Glendinning and the preacher Henry Warden, whom Christie is about to introduce to the Baron.

We are grateful to Sarah Dean (formerly Kellam, née Ansdell) great, great granddaughter of the artist, for confirming the attribution.