Description:
A historically interesting portrait painting of John Metcalf (1717-1810), commonly called Blind Jack of Knaresborough, dating to circa 1790-1800. Oil on panel and housed in a period gilt frame, the panel inscribed verso “Blind Jack, one of the Four Lions of Knaresboro”. This is a wonderful, small and intimate painting depicting a half-length portrait of John Metcalf, dressed in a red waist coat and green jacket, holding a crook and set within an interior. John Metcalf is a thoroughly interesting individual and an important figure within Yorkshire. Blind from the age of six due to a smallpox infection, Metcalf had an eventful life which included being the first professional road builder during the Industrial Revolution, army service, being captured in the Jacobite rising of 1745, being a professional fiddler, trading in horses, swimming and diving, fighting cocks, riding and hunting, playing cards, and paid to work as a guide to visitors.... plus much more! His career as a road builder saw many roads built in Lancashire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Yorkshire, and established his reputation by accomplishing projects that other engineers thought couldn't be done.
There are many references available to learn more about Blind Jack and his life, including his own autobiography, and they make for a fascinating read.
Dimensions:
Picture size: 17.5cm x 14.8cm.
Frame size: 31cm x 28.2cm.
Condition:
Very faint minor craquelure to some of the background. Very slight unevenness to the wooden panel. Age related wear as expected but overall in good original ready to hang condition. Please examine photos carefully.
Postage:
Calculated at checkout.
Item will be sent tracked and signed-for.
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