Is John Orlebar under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

What topics does John Orlebar explore?

portraiture, 18th century, gentleman, formalwear, introspection, wealth, status, bookish

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John Orlebar

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John Orlebar

Oil On Canvas
WallArt
Neoclassicism
1740
51.0 x 36.0 cm
Harris Museum - Art Gallery

Admire Arthur William Devis’ 1740 portrait of John Orlebar! This exquisite oil painting showcases 18th-century elegance & detail. Explore this Harris Museum masterpiece.

Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) was an English portrait & history painter known for intimate 'conversation piece' portraits, depictions of naval life including the Death of Nelson, and family portraits. Discover his legacy at WahooArt!

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Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

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John Orlebar

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Quick Facts

Medium: Oil on canvas
Year: 1740
Dimensions: 51 x 36 cm
Movement: Georgian Portraiture
Location: Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
Artistic style: Conversation Piece
Notable elements or techniques: Detailed rendering; Soft lighting; Shallow perspective

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What is the primary subject matter of John Orlebar by Arthur William Devis?

A Landscape Scene

A Still Life Composition

A Portrait of an Elderly Gentleman

Question 2:

In what century was John Orlebar painted?

A Medieval Period Painting

The Renaissance Era

The Eighteenth Century

Question 3:

What artistic style is characteristic of Arthur William Devis's work, as exemplified by John Orlebar?

Cubism

Impressionism

Classical Portraiture

Question 4:

Where can you find a reproduction of John Orlebar?

The Louvre Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Harris Museum - Art Gallery

Question 5:

What is the dominant color palette used in John Orlebar?

Bright Yellows and Greens

Deep Blues and Purples

Muted Browns, Reds, and Creams

Collectible Description

John Orlebar: A Portrait of Quiet Dignity in Georgian Elegance

The Harris Museum – Art Gallery in Preston, United Kingdom, holds within its walls a treasure trove of artistic achievement, and among its most notable holdings is Arthur William Devis’s 1740 portrait of John Orlebar. Measuring 51 x 36 cm, this oil on canvas masterpiece exemplifies the burgeoning genre of the ‘conversation piece,’ capturing not merely likeness but also an atmosphere of refined contemplation – a hallmark of Georgian society.

About Arthur William Devis

Arthur William Devis (1762–1822) emerged from a distinguished artistic lineage, inheriting the legacy of his father, Anthony Devis, who himself was a respected painter. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Devis pursued formal training at Burlington House, London, honing his skills under the tutelage of influential figures and establishing himself as a prominent artist specializing in portraiture and historical scenes.

Subject Matter & Composition

Devis skillfully portrays John Orlebar – likely in his late twenties or early thirties – seated at a desk adorned with books. The pose exudes composure and suggests intellectual engagement, reflecting the values of the era. A curtain serves as a subtle backdrop, deepening the sense of intimacy and framing the subject within a carefully constructed space. Devis’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of Orlebar's clothing – a richly embroidered waistcoat and jacket—and the subtle nuances of facial expression.

Technique & Style

Executed with masterful technique, the painting utilizes layered oil paints to build up form and texture. Brushstrokes mimic fabric folds and skin surfaces, conveying realism while maintaining an idealized aesthetic typical of Devis’s style. The artist employs a shallow perspective, directing the viewer's gaze towards Orlebar and subtly receding into the background adorned with patterned wallpaper and draped fabrics—elements that contribute to the opulent ambiance characteristic of Georgian interiors.

Historical Context & Symbolism

Created during the Georgian period (1714–1830), this portrait reflects the societal emphasis on education, social status, and refined taste. The inclusion of books symbolizes Orlebar’s intellectual pursuits and underscores the importance of erudition within the upper echelons of Georgian society. Devis's work speaks to a broader cultural fascination with portraying individuals as embodiments of virtue and accomplishment—a tradition that continues to resonate with art lovers today.

Further Exploration

To delve deeper into Arthur William Devis’s artistic vision, consider examining his other celebrated works, including “Mr Peter du Cane” and “The Reverend William Farington,” available on WahooArt. These pieces offer invaluable insight into Devis's stylistic range and demonstrate his ability to capture the essence of both human character and historical significance.

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Artist Biography

Arthur William Devis (1762–1822): The Gentle Hand of Portraiture and History

Arthur William Devis (19 February 1712 – 25 July 1787) was an English painter whose father, Anthony, was progenitor of what became a family dynasty of painters and writers. The place of Arthur Devis in art history is generally as painter of the type of portrait now called a conversation piece. After moving to London and apprenticeship to a Flemish topographical artist there, he switched to portraiture and acquired a considerable reputation, although this success did not last. Unable to adapt to later fashionable artistic currents, his commissions declined and his work was largely forgotten after his death until the 20th century revival of interest in the conversation piece.

Early Life & Training: Devis’s artistic talent emerged early on, fueled by a familial legacy steeped in artistic tradition. Following in the footsteps of his elder brother Thomas Anthony Devis, who was also a painter, he enrolled at the Royal Academy Schools in 1774, immersing himself in the rigorous training demanded by the era's leading artistic institution. His formative years were marked by exposure to influential figures like Sir Joshua Reynolds, whose teachings profoundly shaped Devis’s stylistic sensibilities.
Notable Commissions & Travels: Devis gained recognition through his membership in the Free Society of Artists and continued to exhibit his work at the Royal Academy, attracting considerable acclaim. A pivotal moment arrived in 1783 when he was appointed as draughtsman on the British East India Company’s packet antelope under Captain Henry Wilson. Tragically, Devis suffered a serious injury during an encounter with Papuans near the Schouten Islands and subsequently endured a shipwreck on the Pelw islands—challenges that nevertheless spurred him to persevere in his artistic endeavors.

Style & Technique: The Delicate Stroke of Elegance

Devis’s artistic style is characterized by an exquisite sensitivity to detail and a masterful command of technique, particularly evident in his portraits. He favored graceful poses—often depicting subjects in moments of quiet contemplation—creating images imbued with understated beauty and psychological depth. His palette tended towards muted tones, reflecting the prevailing aesthetic preferences of the late 18th century, yet he achieved remarkable luminosity through careful layering of glazes and subtle gradations of color. Devis’s meticulous observation of anatomy combined seamlessly with an intuitive understanding of human expression, resulting in portraits that captured not only physical likeness but also inner character.

Conversation Pieces: Devis excelled at capturing the essence of domestic life through “conversation pieces”—genre paintings depicting scenes of familial gatherings or intimate interiors—a style highly valued during his time.
Historical Subjects: Beyond portraiture, Devis undertook ambitious historical commissions, notably the depiction of Nelson’s death and a posthumous portrait honoring Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Significant Works & Legacy

Devis produced an impressive oeuvre encompassing approximately sixty-five paintings that graced the Royal Academy galleries between 1779 and 1821, cementing his reputation as one of London’s foremost artists. Among his most celebrated achievements include:

Portrait of Sir William Jones: This masterpiece resides at the British Library, showcasing Devis's exceptional skill in capturing dignified composure and intellectual curiosity.
Nelson Portraits: His depictions of Nelson—both as Vice Admiral and posthumously—remain iconic representations of naval heroism and national pride.
Other Notable Commissions: He undertook commissions for prominent figures such as King George III on horseback, Lord Howe, and Sir Roger Newdigate, demonstrating his versatility and artistic ambition.

Devis’s work continues to inspire admiration and scholarly study, appearing in museums across Britain including the Royal Academy and the National Maritime Museum. His legacy endures not merely as a testament to artistic talent but also as an embodiment of the refined sensibilities that defined the Georgian era—a period characterized by elegance, restraint, and a profound appreciation for beauty.

arthur william devis

1712 - 1787 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Portraiture; History Painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Conversation Piece']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Joshua Reynolds']
Date Of Birth: August 10, 1762
Date Of Death: July 25, 1822
Full Name: Arthur William Devis
Nationality: English
Notable Artworks:
- Death of Nelson
- Nelson Portraits
- Master Simpson
- King George III on Horseback
- Babington Plot
- Magna Carta
Place Of Birth: London, United Kingdom

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