Stanhope A. Forbes (1857–1947)

Mrs Stewart as a Child, 1926

An intimate and beautifully observed portrait by the celebrated British artist Stanhope A. Forbes, depicting Mrs Stewart as a young girl seated at the piano.

Painted in 1926, the portrait captures a quiet domestic moment, with the young sitter dressed in a striking blue dress, her hand resting upon the piano keys. Forbes’ sensitive treatment of light, colour and expression brings a particular warmth and individuality to the composition. The richly painted interior and thoughtful pose create a wonderful sense of atmosphere, characteristic of his accomplished portraiture.

Signed and dated lower left, this oil on canvas is an appealing example of Forbes’ later work, offering both artistic merit and an intriguing personal history.

Provenance

From the distinguished collection of Sir Francis and Lady Cook, Jersey.

Sir Francis Cook, 4th Baronet (1907–1978), was himself an artist who exhibited at the Royal Academy and elsewhere. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Associate of the Royal Society of British Artists, he made Jersey his home in 1948. His collection included numerous 20th-century paintings by artists of his acquaintance, many believed to have been acquired through friendship, gifts or exchange.