Matthew Pear, Sword Bearer of Exeter, and his Brother Philip Pear

William Gandy was the son of the English portrait painter James Gandy (1619-1689). His work was considered to show real genius and was much admired by many great artists. Both Sir Godfrey Kneller and Joshua Reynolds were influenced by his work. Joshua Reynolds studied Gandy’s work in the early years of his carrier making a great impression upon him.

According to an inscription attached to the back of the painting by a descendant, the portrait depicts: ‘Philip and Matthew Pear of this City the youngest Boy Matthew in his time kept a Druggist Shop and for some years was the Sword Bearer for the City of Exeter in part of the Reign of George Second’.