Georgian Naval Portrait Captain Gamaliel Nightingale By John Simmons C.1760

Georgian Naval Portrait Captain Gamaliel Nightingale by John Simmons c.1760

An atmospheric 18th-century British naval portrait combining Georgian portraiture, maritime history, documented Bonhams provenance and distinguished country-house character.

Highlights

* John Simmons (Nailsea 1715–1780 Bristol)
* Captain Gamaliel Nightingale (1731–1791)
* Circa 1760
* Oil on canvas
* Royal Navy portrait
* Seven Years’ War history
* Bonhams provenance
* Private European collection since at least 1990
* Historic reverse labels
* Private loan and exhibition history
* Decorative giltwood frame

Introduction

A handsome Georgian oil portrait depicting Captain Gamaliel Nightingale in formal Royal Navy uniform.

The deep blue naval coat, crisp white linen and gilt details create a sophisticated period palette, while the substantial giltwood frame gives the portrait considerable country-house presence.

Catalogue Details

Artist: John Simmons (Nailsea 1715–1780 Bristol)

Sitter: Captain Gamaliel Nightingale (1731–1791)

Date: Circa 1760

Medium: Oil on canvas

Canvas approximately 76.7 × 63.6 cm.

Framed approximately 92.75 × 79 × 5.5 cm.

Catalogue Note

Bonhams catalogued the unsigned portrait directly as a work by John Simmons.

Historic Bonhams labels and an older Nightingale identification remain on the reverse.

The Sitter

Nightingale became Commander of HMS Badger in 1757 and was promoted Captain in October 1758.

He commanded HMS Vengeance during the Seven Years’ War and subsequently HMS Flora.

His name survives through Nightingale Island in the South Atlantic.

The Artist

John Simmons was a Georgian portrait painter associated with Nailsea, Bristol and the West Country.

Provenance

Private Collection, Europe, since at least 1990.

Earlier Bonhams catalogue appearance evidenced by surviving reverse label.

Bonhams, London, Old Master Paintings, Sale 30152, 6 February 2024, Lot 9.

Acquired from the above sale.

Thereafter Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Private Loan and Exhibition History

Privately loaned and exhibited with the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire.

The painting remained privately owned throughout the loan and exhibition period.

Dimensions

Canvas approximately 76.7 × 63.6 cm.

Framed approximately 92.75 × 79 × 5.5 cm.

Frame

Substantial later giltwood frame with formal moulded ornament.

Age-related rubbing and minor gilt losses contribute to its established country-house character.

Condition Report

Good age-appropriate condition with historic craquelure and sympathetic historic retouching.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

Owing to the substantial dimensions and weight of the framed portrait, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.

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