D Maclise

This 1833 work from the National Library of Wales dates from early in Maclise's London career, when the Irish-born artist was establishing himself in the competitive world of the Royal Academy exhibitions. The National Library of Wales's holding of a Maclise work reflects the Irish-Welsh cultural connections within the British Isles and the collecting activities of national institutions outside England that sought to preserve works by significant artists with Celtic connections. By 1833, Maclise was producing both portraiture and historical narrative subjects, developing the technical foundation for the larger ambitions of his mature career. The early 1830s were the period when his reputation was consolidating through consistent Royal Academy exhibition.

The work demonstrates the precise drawing and compositional skill that quickly distinguished Maclise among his contemporaries at the Royal Academy exhibitions.