SIR JAMES DROMGOLE LINTON

(1840-1916)

PRI ROI 

MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS,

 PRESUMED TO BE IN MOURNING FOR LORD DARNLEY

 AND CARRYING HIS HELMET AS WRAPPED AROUND WITH HER CHIVALRIC SCARF TOKEN.

Gorgeous and rare original watercolour by the fabulous artist that was Sir James Dromgole Linton! He was renowned for just such depictions of historical scenes and for works inspired by literature. He painted many Shakespearean scenes and characters for instance. But although I bought this obviously Elizabethan lady at Christie's around 30 years ago, I'd never actually got around to working out who the lady was supposed to be. But with a little bit of help (thank you) it is now clear that this is a depiction of Mary, Queen of Scots, wearing a black dress and looking sad and presumed to be carrying Lord Darnley's helmet with her scarf token wrapped around it. Another portrait seen of Lord Darnley himself shows him in armour with a very similar chivalric scarf token wrapped around his arm. 

Watercolour with visible image measuring about 9 5/8 x 6 3/4 inches (24.5 x 17.1 cm)

And including the frame, the whole measures 18 3/8 x 16 inches (46.7 x 40.7 cm)

Typically monogrammed "JDL" to centre right.

Sir James Dromgole Linton was born on the 26th December 1840. He began his training in a stained glass workshop 

He was President of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour from 1884 to 1899 and then again from 1909 until his death in 1916. Received the Jubilee medal in 1897 and was knighted in 1885. Married Harriet Maria Linton and had 11 children. He died at his home in Hampstead on the 3rd October 1916. 

Condition wise, this looks to be in excellent condition and is in a lovely frame too.  That doesn't need changing, but there are a couple of foxing marks and there are a few more on the mount. So although it still looks nice, new mounting (to choice) would likely be a good idea.

Hope you like, but please ask re any questions and please note that UK posting is complementary and included in the "buy it now".