This charming mid-19th-century watercolour by British artist Alfred Edward Chalon RA (1780-1860) depicts a wily gentleman wearing a black tailcoat, black waistcoat, white shirt and black stock.

With his left arm resting upon a neoclassical plinth, he carries the air of an enlightened gent. In his right hand, some paper, perhaps a deed or document relevant to his profession. His details are lost to time, aside from an inscription on the reverse, which simply reads ‘A Chalon, Father’.

Alfred Edward Chalon RA was a Swiss-born portraitist and a favourite of Queen Victoria’s. He trained at the Royal Academy in London where he exhibited an astonishing 396 works and became a member. In 1837, a year prior to completing this piece, he was selected by the Queen to produce her portrait. The result was such a success, that the head from that piece was reproduced on stamps.

So given that his reputation was growing, the sitter here would certainly have been a man of considerable means. We also have a portrait of ‘mother’ by the same hand, which is presumably his wife.

Signed/dated lower right and held within a later frame. Glazed.

Medium: Watercolour
Overall size: 18½” x 25” / 47cm x 63cm
Year of creation: 1838
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £22,960.

Alfred Edward Chalon

Alfred Edward Chalon RA was a distinguished Swiss-born British portraitist. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the British Museum, V&A, The Met, and the National Portrait Gallery.

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