Lot 163: Monogrammed W.H. (19th Century), Rooster after Benjamin Marshall, Watercolour and Gouache
A mid-19th-century watercolour painting with gouache highlights on paper depicting a standing rooster in profile. The bird is rendered in a detailed, naturalistic style characteristic of Victorian ornithological illustration, set against a minimalist landscape and pale sky. This work is a contemporary copy of the cockerel known as War from the celebrated pair War and Peace by the British sporting artist Benjamin Marshall (1768-1835). Within the oval composition towards the right edge, there is a handwritten inscription reading W.H. 1851. The painting is presented in an oval-cut gold-textured mount and is housed in a deep, ornate gilt wood frame.
Condition report:
The paper exhibits visible toning, particularly concentrated around the edges of the mount aperture. The ornate gilt wood frame shows minor cracking and small losses to the gilding consistent with its age. Two auction labels are present: a small white sticker marked 7 on the glass and an orange label marked 163 on the mount.
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