A fine quality portrait of Charles Horsfall (1776-1846), dating to circa 1800-1810. Oil on panel and presented in the original gilt frame with oval slip. Label on the reverse reads “Mr. Charles Horsfall Myr for Liverpool. Grandfather to Edward Cox.”.
There is a Wikipedia page (and other sources) that share details on Charles Horsfall's life, including that as a plantation owner in Jamaica and British Guiana, a merchant in West Africa, a Baliff of Liverpool in 1829 and then Mayor in 1832. He amassed a fortune and with his wealth commissioned the building of some of Liverpool's finest churches, six of which still stand today. Charles Horsfall received compensation of over £11,000 for the enslaved people he had to free when slavery was abolished in 1834. Following the abolishment of slavery the Horsfalls continued to make vast wealth from slave-produced palm oil in West Africa. Palm oil was used to lubricate the machinery of Britain's industrial revolution and a key ingredient in soap-making, an industry that would become a major employer in the area around Liverpool during the 19th century.
A thorough and more detailed history of Charles Horsfall can be found through Google. Knowing the background of the sitter makes this an interesting portrait that captures a troubling chapter of history.
Dimensions:
Picture size: 22.9cm x 18.3cm.
Frame size: 38.5cm x 33.4cm.
Condition:
Some slight craqueleur above the hair that can only be seen in a raked light. The gilding on the frame is worn in places and there are a few small cracks to the inner slip. Age related wear as expected but overall in good ready to hang condition. Please examine photos carefully.
Postage:
Calculated at checkout.
Item will be sent tracked and signed-for.
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