18th Century Georgian Naval Oil Portrait of Captain Gamaliel Nightingale

Details

Description

18th Century Georgian Naval Portrait of Captain Gamaliel Nightingale

An important British portrait by John Simmons depicting Royal Navy Captain … Read more 18th Century Georgian Naval Portrait of Captain Gamaliel Nightingale

An important British portrait by John Simmons depicting Royal Navy Captain Gamaliel Nightingale, with documented Bonhams provenance and a substantial decorative giltwood frame.

Highlights

John Simmons (Nailsea 1715–1780 Bristol)
Captain Gamaliel Nightingale (1731–1791)
Circa 1760
Georgian oil on canvas
Royal Navy portrait
Seven Years’ War sitter
Bonhams London provenance
Private European collection since at least 1990
Earlier auction evidence verso
Private loan and exhibition history
Later giltwood frame

Introduction

A distinguished Georgian naval portrait with exceptional historical and decorative presence.

Captain Gamaliel Nightingale is shown half-length in Royal Navy uniform, his dark blue coat, white linen and gilt detailing dramatically framed by a substantial decorative giltwood surround.

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.

The Sitter

Nightingale became Commander of HMS Badger in 1757 before promotion to Captain on 18 October 1758.

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

His historical legacy also survives through Nightingale Island.

Bonhams Provenance

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

Catalogued as a work by John Simmons.

Bonhams recorded Private Collection, Europe, since at least 1990.

An earlier Bonhams label remains on the reverse.

Provenance

Private Collection, Europe, since at least 1990.

Earlier Bonhams Sale 28759 catalogue appearance.

Bonhams London, Sale 30152, 6 February 2024, Lot 9.

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

Later decorative giltwood frame with formal moulded ornament and attractive age-related surface character.



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.


Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

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

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