A Bit of Blue

Early in his career the artist, Henry Stacy Marks, was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement and produced paintings and designs influenced by medieval themes. Later he became interested in depicting birds, landscapes and portraits.

This is a portrait of Frederick Litchfield (1850-1930), an authority on antique furniture. Lichfield was a keen collector of blue and white ceramics which were considered highly desirable in the 1870s and 1880s. Here he is shown examining a K’ang Hsi (1662-1722), a type of porcelain ginger jar.

Purchased with assistance from the Kent Kingdon Bequest, 1911.