Oil on canvas
England, presumably around 1940
Margaret Dovaston (1884-1955) – English painter
Signed lower right ‘M. Dovaston’
Fitted with a historic label on the verso ‘Fine Art Galleries T. Eaton Co. Limited Canada’; inscribed with the artist’s name and the title
Dimensions: 51 x 69 cm
Very good condition
Margaret Dovaston is one of the most talented followers of 19th century’s costume painting; her works are very sought-after collectible items and fetch up to €45,000 at international auctions

The present piece is a charming example of Margaret Dovaston’s excellent fine art painting. It depicts an old English assembly room that serves as the setting for a group of men dressed in the fashion of the 18th century. Dovaston often described her paintings as compositions that tell a story in which the spectator is invited to fill in the details. Accordingly, the present painting has been titled ‘Searching The Deed’ and suggests a scenario that visually corresponds to the present interior, the charismatic protagonists as well as their appropriate mimics and gestures.



The painting is signed lower right ‘M. Dovaston’. There are light marks with tiny losses of paint, where the frame has rubbed. Inspection under UV light reveals small retouchings along the edges. The overall condition of the painting is however very good considering the age. The frame is well preserved and measures 68 x 87 cm. The size of the stretcher is 51 x 69 cm.



Margaret Dovaston (1884-1955)

Margaret Isabel Dovaston was born in Battersea, Middlesex, and studied painting at the Royal Academy School in South Kensington. Her works immediately received great attention, so that the young artist became a member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1905. Dovaston regularly exhibited her paintings in different galleries in London, including The Royal Academy. During the First World War, Margaret Dovaston executed a number of war scenes that were even bought by the Queen’s Royal Surrey Regimental Association. Besides, her main focus described old English interiors and invented history paintings. Although her compositions were completely developed from imagination, the artist used her extensive collections of 17th, 18th and 19th century costumes and antiques as a great source of inspiration. (cbo)

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