Attributed to John Baker, R.A.

John Baker, R.A. (1736–1771), one of the founding members of the Royal Academy, began his career as a coach-painter before dedicating himself to the painting of flowers. His works are incredibly rare, with only a handful of examples being known. His most impressive surviving canvas is a still life in the collections of the Royal Academy, donated in 1772 by the artist's friend, Charles Catton the Elder, R.A. (1728–1798). This pair, which bear very old labels on the reverse indicating Baker as their author, are closer to a floral still life which was sold in these rooms in 1996.¹

Infra-red imaging shows evidence of pentimenti in the background of both works, with flowers which have been removed from the final compositions.

¹ London, Sotheby's, 13 November 1996, lot 130 for £10,350.