A fine late 19th-century oil on canvas depicting a seated 18th-century gentleman writing a letter. The details are exquisite and the painting was previously exhibited at the Royal Academy. 

William Harris Weatherhead (1843-1911) was a genre painter who lived In Kentish Town, London. He exhibited regularly - particularly in the capital and one of his works is currently held at the V&A.

There are two photographs of Weatherhead at The National Portrait Gallery: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp83449/william-harris-weatherhead

The painting is signed in the lower left and housed within its original gilt frame with foliate decoration and swept corners.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 20½” x 24½” / 52cm x 62cm
Year of creation: c. 1870
Provenance: England
Condition: Very presentable with no issues.
Artist’s auction highlight: £8,645 achieved for ‘Weary Life’ at an auction in 2002.