1840 JOHN BUNYAN. Original Painting of the Author of Pilgrim's Progress. Unrecorded.

This is the second of three important paintings of John Bunyan we have acquired from an unprecedented purchase of period Bunyan images. In 25 years of selling Bunyania we have never handled a pre-1850 painting of him. Then, in one short period, we acquired three of them. One has now been placed. This one has not been previously offered. And, yes, there is a third.

The present is a charming smaller painting of Bunyan, holding his Bible, reminiscent of the 1684 painting of Bunyan by Thomas Sadler held by the National Portrait Gallery. It is not a copy, but shares a similar composition and style. It is signed on the lower right center and dated to the 1840's. Cleaning would likely clarify the artist and date. 

Measuring 9.5 x 11.5 framed and 5 x 8 unframed, it is executed on an oak panel with a period ebonized frame. There are repairs to the frame, though still presenting attractively. On the rear is a label that appears to be from an exhibition dating to 1854. During this period there were many evangelical and missionary exhibitions displaying historical artifacts from the Covenanters, Puritans, Baptists, and more. The present likely participated in one or more and was labeled for owner identification, which is now obscured.

The painting is quite dirty and is entirely fresh to the market. It does appear to have potentially had minor inpainting at some point. It would benefit from professional restoration, which we would be happy to facilitate for you at actual cost. The brign spots on cheek, forehead, and knuckle are high spots where the paint was thicker from layering and the varnish was not as thick. Those hint at the depth of color that would be there once cleaned.

Ebonized frame has substantial losses to wood and ebonization at right side profile.