English School

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

English School
Gentleman Attending a Scientific Demonstration
Black and white chalk over pencil with stump, on laid paper

Provenance

L.G. Duke (L. 1186);
sale, London, Sotheby's, 23 November 2006, lot 190;
with Agnew's, London

Catalogue Note

Traditionally this drawing was thought to represent Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) demonstrating an experiment. However, it has now been suggested that the gentleman occupying the centre of the composition, might be the Reverend John Pickering (1706-1790). Pickering was educated at Derby Grammar School and Cambridge. In 1731 he was ordained and soon became victor of All Saints Church, Mackworth in Derbyshire. Alongside the church, Pickering also acted as a tutor and lecturer. Immersed in the Age of Enlightenment and scientific discovery, Pickering clearly held these disciplines in high esteem. When portrayed by Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1791)¹ he was shown wearing a similar cloth cap and proudly displaying a mathematical diagram.

1. J. Egerton, Wright of Derby, London 1990, p. 227, no. 148