AN IMPORTANT SET OF THREE ANTIQUE OIL PAINTINGS DEPICTING A SUGAR PLANTATION
IN DEMERARA SIGNED AND DATED BY JOSHUA BRYANT
BRITISH COLONIAL EARLY 19TH CENTURY
JOSHUA BRYANT – ARTIST WORKING IN EUROPE AND DEMERARA, EXHIBITED AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY 1798-1809
OTHER KNOWN WORKS BY THE ARTIST
Other Colonial paintings are mentioned at the Witt Library in London.
The Ledger Galleries in London also exhibited several plantation scenes
in Demerara by JOSHUA BRYANT. The British Library has drawings by the
same artist. And the National Gallery in British Guiana (Demerara) has
one painting by JOSHUA BRYANT.
1798-1802 | Lived in Oxford Street. |
1802 | Worked in Wales. |
1803 | Worked in France. |
1807 | Returned to London, 101 The Strand. |
1823 | Living in Demerara and published an “Account of an insurrection of the negro slaves in the colony of Demerara.” After joining the Marine Battalion, he dedicated this book to Lieutenant Major-General John Murray, Governor and Commander-in-Chief to the United Colony of Demerara and Essequibo (a copy is in the British Library). |
SUBJECT
The subject matter is of great charm and certainly of historical importance
given its nature and detail. Joshua Bryant is held in high esteem in
British Guiana and was a friend of the indigenous population. His book
must also have been important as it is in the British Library collection.
The views are full of detail and the paintwork shows a very particular
style.
CONDITION
Over-painting removed to reveal original areas. Touched up in places especially
an area in the sky of one of the pictures where it had been damaged
owing to humidity (possibly on site). Re-varnished throughout.
HISTORY (From the Booker Collection, UK)
These paintings form part of a group that were painted by Bryant during his stay
in Demerara (British Guiana). We know of at least four other pictures from
the same series in Private Collections and they all point to the importance
of the sugar trade between England, Holland and Guiana at the time of the abolition
of slavery 1820-1835.
Dimensions (with frames):
Two paintings: Height 29 1/2in (75cm). Width 53in 135cm).
One painting: Height 29 1/2in (75cm). Width 52in (132cm).
Reference:J6395