Attrib. John Robert Flick (c.1806-1890) - 19th Century Oil Young Scholar

Description

A fine 19th-century portrait attributed to the artist John Robert Flick (c.1806-1890), depicting a scholarly young man in a poised, contemplative stance, a book held in his hand. The artist employs refined brushwork to convey both character and quiet intellectual presence. Unsigned. Inscribed verso. Beautifully presented in a decorative gilt frame. On board.

Condition

Fine craquelure throughout. Light discolouration to the varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals a small area of restoration to the right. Overall the artwork is in very good condition for its age. Wear to the frame, including scuffs, small chips and fine cracks.

Size

28.5 x 20cm (11.2" x 7.9")
Framed Size: 42 x 35cm (16.5" x 13.8")

Artist Biography

John Robert Flick was born at Wickham Market, Suffolk, around 1806, the son of Ann Flick. He was baptised there on 24 May 1813 and was brought up by Samuel Flick (1792–1875), a bank agent and farmer of Saxmundham, Suffolk. Flick studied for a time in Italy, an experience that likely influenced his later work as a portrait painter. He married Annie Pye at Holborn, London, in 1860. By 1861, Flick was recorded as a 50-year-old portrait painter living at 38 Devonshire Street, Finsbury, London, with his wife Ann, aged 30, a Nottingham-born artist in oils. In 1871, he gave his age as 56 and was residing at 10 Camden Street, St Pancras, London, with his 41-year-old wife. A decade later, in 1881, he was described as a 74-year-old retired portrait painter living at The Elms, Earl Soham, Suffolk, with his wife Annie, aged 52, and his mother-in-law, Mary Ann Pye, aged 87. In 1883, Flick exhibited at the Ipswich Fine Art Club from his residence at Earl Soham, showing two oil paintings: 'A Slight Difficulty in Obtaining Money' and 'The Gleaner'. John Robert Flick died at Earl Soham on 25 September 1890 and was buried there on 30 September 1890, aged 84.