Isherwood Fine Art

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Isherwood Fine Art

Fine art dealer in Old Master, British & European paintings & sculpture, 16th to 19th century.

24/04/2026

The face of the son of a King?
Slowly being revealed from under centuries of yellowed varnish is this fine portrait of Charles Darqneuve by Michael Dahl, circa 1700.
Widely rumoured to be the ‘natural son’ of Charles II, Charles was a celebrated bon-vivant and a central member of the famous Kit-Kat Club, a position that placed him at the epicenter of Whig power and literary genius. His presence in the era’s definitive texts serves as a primary source for his influence. Alexander Pope immortalised him in his Satires, specifically noting his legendary refined tastes. Jonathan Swift in his personal journals frequently mentions “Darty,” documenting their interactions within the inner sanctum of London’s intellectual elite.

Beyond his social standing, Darqneuve held the prestigious office of Paymaster of the Royal Works. This placed him in direct control of the King’s architectural legacy and building projects, further verifying his proximity to the sovereign and his status within the Court’s machinery.

More details coming soon

26/03/2026

A face from 18th century Bath, fresh from the restorers and looking resplendent in her 18th century frame.
Painted in Bath in 1783, Thomas Beach masterfully balances the era’s taste for theatricality with a sense of quiet dignity. Beach was celebrated for his “strong likenesses and you can feel it here - there is a poise and intelligence in her expression that feels remarkably modern. Contemporaries often remarked that his portraits were so honest and life-like that they “always explain themselves.”

While this lady’s identity remains a mystery, she was perhaps in the circle of the famous 18th century actress Mrs Siddons, who lived in Bath and was a close friend and muse of Beach.

Portrait of a Lady by Thomas Beach (1738-1806), signed and dated 1783.

Oil on canvas
94 x 81cm (inc. frame)

NOW AVAILABLE - with full details on the website, link in bio.

03/03/2026

A beautiful dining room featured in this month’s House and Garden magazine featuring our portrait of a lady and her daughter with an exotic bird by Swedish born artist Michael Dahl (1659-1743).
We love how the portrait sings out from the panoramic wallpaper reflecting accents of green and red seen throughout the room.

AVAILABLE FOR SALE , link in bio.

Photo 1 Paul Massey
Photo 2 Jonathan Bond Photography

28/02/2026

Whilst researching this portrait by Dorset born artist Thomas Beach, I came across a Christie’s auction catalogue entry from 1989 which confirmed my suspicion that the hair ringlet falling down onto her chest was a later embellishment. Why this was done, I have no idea!
The portrait is currently being restored and the later overpainting will be gently removed to reveal the subject as the artist originally intended.

It was painted at the height of Beach’s success as the preeminent artist in Bath, the Georgian era’s social and intellectual heart outside London for the fashionable elite.

Portrait of a lady by Thomas Beach (1738-1806), signed and dated 1786.
Oil on canvas in a period giltwood frame.
Details coming soon to the website .

27/02/2026

If you are heading to Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum to see the Frans Hals exhibition and admire his lively portrayals of family groups, this painting of a family playing music together by Abraham van den Tempel in the permanent collection is definitely worth a look. Painted around twenty years after the slightly raucous family groups by Hals, this work has a calmer, more ordered quality about it, but both approaches effectively convey the close and affectionate bonds within the families.

The wealthy merchant David Leeuw had himself and his family portrayed making music as an expression of harmonious family life. Their unity is underscored by Leeuw’s proud hand gesture, and his wife’s gentle embrace of their children.

David Leeuw with his Family
Abraham van den Tempel (c. 1622-1672)
oil on canvas, 1671

17/02/2026

🐎The Year of the Horse 🐎

Capturing the spirit and strength of the new year is this 19th century painting of a chestnut hunter in a Melton Mowbray landscape, with a rider and hounds in the woodland beyond, by renowned English equine artist John Ferneley Senior (1782-1860).

Oil on canvas

85 x 95cm

FOR SALE

31/12/2025

A New Year’s toast 🥂

As the sun sets on 2025, we are raising a glass to a year filled with remarkable discoveries and new beginnings. 🥂✨
It has been a privilege to connect these historic works with their new guardians. Every painting that passes through Isherwood Fine Art carries a story that spans centuries, and we are honored to play a small part in their ongoing journey.
To our collectors, interior design partners, and fellow art lovers—thank you for your trust, your conversation, and your shared passion for the beauty of the past. ❤️

Looking ahead to 2026, we have some truly wonderful pieces arriving in the coming weeks that we are looking forward to sharing with you.

We wish you a joyful, inspired, and art-filled New Year. See you in 2026! 🎆

Warmest wishes, Nicola

30/07/2025

✨Just added to the website✨

George James (London Fl. 1755-1795 Boulogne)

Portrait of two young girls with a whippet and a rabbit, circa 1765

Oil on canvas, 127.5 x 102.2cm

AVAILABLE with full details

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Bath

Website

http://www.isherwoodfineart.com/

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