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 career, making a great impression on him.

Attached to the reverse is an inscription that reads ‘Philip and Matthew Pear of this City’. The youngest boy Matthew kept a druggist shop and was for some years the Sword Bearer for the City of Exeter.