Description

Title: 19th Century Portrait Eliza Maddock of Onchan Isle of Man With Havanese Dog

Description: Large 19th-Century Portrait — Eliza Maddock of Onchan, Isle of Man, with Her Havanese Dog

Subject & Medium
Presenting a magnificent mid-19th-century British oil painting titled:
“Portrait of Eliza Maddock, née Birtles, of Onchan, Isle of Man, aged 17” by the artist J.R. Siddall, 1866 (as inscribed verso).

This captivating three-quarter length portrait depicts young Eliza Maddock at age 17, gazing calmly toward the viewer. She is dressed in a graceful blue gown adorned with delicate frilled details, her brown hair tied back in a neat bun. In her right hand, she holds an elegant hat adorned with a striking red plume, while at her side, her beloved white Havanese dog eagerly jumps up, its lively presence adding charm and warmth to the scene.

The composition offers stunning perspective, with a deep landscape background showing lush gardens, tall trees, and a sunset sky blending golden, purple, and blue hues — capturing both the sitter’s elegance and her place within the natural beauty of Onchan, Isle of Man.
Medium: Oil on canvas, set in a finely detailed later decorative frame, ready to hang.

Composition & Technique
This portrait showcases the artistic finesse typical of Victorian-era portraiture, blending realism, narrative charm, and atmospheric depth.

The colour palette is rich and carefully layered: deep sapphire blues in Eliza’s dress, offset by delicate silver-blue embroidered trim; warm reds in the velvety plume of her hat; and creamy whites in the soft curls of her loyal Havanese dog. The background landscape transitions through moody green shadows, soft golden highlights, and dusky purples and blues as the sunset glows on the horizon, adding emotional depth and balance.

The brushwork is both precise and expressive: delicate, fine strokes define Eliza’s facial features, hands, and the intricate textures of fabric, lace, and hair; slightly looser, more painterly handling creates the lively rendering of the dog’s fur and the soft-focus landscape, with broad strokes blending the light and color of the sky.

The overall style reflects the 19th-century tradition of combining intimate personal likeness with a grand, romantic setting — not just a straightforward portrait, but a scene full of life, emotion, and social context. It conveys both the sitter’s individual presence and her connection to family, place, and time, making this not just a decorative piece but a true historical narrative captured on canvas.

,Signed by the Artist

Carrying extra significance thanks to the clear signature of J.R. Siddall inscribed verso on the back of the canvas. The signature not only confirms Siddall as the artist but also enhances the painting’s authenticity, provenance, and historical value.

About the Artist J.R. Siddall was a 19th-century British artist known mainly for his portraiture this is one of his most notable works Eliza Maddock of Onchan, Isle of Man at the age of 17, shown alongside her loyal dog. Aside from this piece, there’s limited public information about Siddall’s broader life or body of work. His contributions seem to fit within the Victorian-era portrait tradition, capturing the likenesses and personalities of people from that time. By repute the artist J.R. Siddall was a relative of the Birtles family.

About the Sitter
This portrait commemorates Eliza Ann Johnson Birtles (later Maddock), an important figure within her family’s history. Painted when she was 17, the piece remained within her grandson’s home for many years.

Eliza’s life story weaves through Liverpool and the Isle of Man: she married Arthur Maddock after eloping, raised a family, and returned to Onchan after separating in 1879. Her family, the Birtles, were prominent, with holdings including tea houses and properties in Liverpool, and connections to both farming and commerce. This portrait offers not just artistic value, but a fascinating glimpse into Victorian family history.

Frame Details
Set in a later decorative gilt frame, enhancing the grandeur of the painting. It’s a commanding display piece, ready to grace your home, office, or gallery.

Dimensions Framed

Height: 104 cm
Width: 83 cm
Depth: 3.5 cm

Provenance
By descent from the Birtles family
Grandson’s private collection
Phillips & Sons, The Dower House, Cookham
Collection

Why You’ll Love It
A rare, historical Victorian portrait with rich family and social history.
Beautifully detailed brushwork and vibrant, layered colors that capture the sitter’s elegance and charm.
A superb decorative and collector’s piece — perfect for adding sophistication to any space.
A meaningful heirloom-quality artwork with fascinating provenance.
A guaranteed conversation starter that will impress guests and clients alike.

� Condition Report
Offered in fine used condition:

Canvas: Relined; various foxing stains, craquelure, some light scratches, minor paint loss, all consistent with age.
Frame: Some wear, scuffs, stains, cracking, and small losses consistent with usage and old age.
The piece remains stable, display-ready, and visually impressive, retaining its historical and artistic appeal.

Reserve: $5,400.00

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Condition

Used

Buyer's Premium

20%

19th Century Portrait Eliza Maddock of Onchan Isle of Man With Havanese Dog

Name: 19th Century Portrait Eliza Maddock of Onchan Isle of Man With Havanese Dog
SKU: 226649432
Price: 2600 USD
Availability: InStock