Home > Arts > Artists > D > John Downman
Formerly called Nevil Maskelyne, Astronomer Royal (1732-1811), 1779 (oil painting)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Formerly called Nevil Maskelyne, Astronomer Royal (1732-1811), 1779 (oil painting)
7337966 Formerly called Nevil Maskelyne, Astronomer Royal (1732-1811), 1779 (oil painting) by Downman, John (c.1750-1824); 91.4x71.1 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: John Downman
The late Derek Howse, formerly Head of Astronomy at NMM and biographer of Nevil Maskelyne, the fifth Astronomer Royal, firmly believed that this portrait is misidentified on the basis of its great dissimilarity to Louis van der Puyl's undoubted Maskelyne portrait of 1785 owned by the Royal Society. Van der Puyl shows him in clerical dress (black with bands) appropriate to his formal status as a clerk in Holy Orders, rather than in the civil attire here, and against the background of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. This otherwise fine portrait against a classical column is therefore probably another astronomer, so far unidentified.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38513506
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
18th Century Fashion 18th Mode Astronomer Astronomers Celestial Map Eighteenth Century Clothes Sky Chart Star Chart Star Map
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> D
> John Downman
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> John Wood
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Oil paintings
> Portrait paintings
> Arts
> Portraits
> Classical portrait gallery
> Classical portraits
> Arts
> Portraits
> Classical portrait gallery
> Portrait art
> Arts
> Street art graffiti
> Portraits
> Fine art
> Europe
> Republic of Ireland
> Maps
> Europe
> Republic of Ireland
> Paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Paintings
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> John Downman
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> John Francis Rigaud
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking oil painting, formerly known as 'Nevil Maskelyne, Astronomer Royal (1732-1811)', captures the essence of a distinguished figure from history. Painted in 1779 by John Downman, this portrait stands at 91.4x71.1 cm and is housed in the National Maritime Museum in London.
However, there has been some debate surrounding the true identity of the subject in this painting. The late Derek Howse, an expert on astronomy and biographer of Nevil Maskelyne, believed that this portrait may have been misidentified. He pointed out significant differences between this portrayal and another confirmed portrait of Maskelyne by Louis van der Puyl from 1785.
While Van der Puyl's depiction shows Maskelyne in clerical attire against the backdrop of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, this painting showcases a man in civil clothing standing next to a classical column. As such, it is suggested that this may actually be another astronomer altogether.
Despite these uncertainties about its subject matter, there is no denying the skill and artistry evident in Downman's work. The attention to detail and composition make this piece a captivating addition to any collection or exhibition dedicated to historical figures and astronomers alike.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
