Who painted Rev. Richard Davies?

Rev. Richard Davies was painted by James Fellowes in 1735.

Where can I see Rev. Richard Davies?

Rev. Richard Davies is held by National Library of Wales.

What movement is Rev. Richard Davies?

Rev. Richard Davies is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Rev. Richard Davies

James Fellowes , 1735

Rev. Richard Davies is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist James Fellowes. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.

About this work

Overview

James Fellowes’ oil on canvas from 1735 presents the Reverend Richard Davies in a restrained, formal composition. The figure occupies the foreground against a deep, muted backdrop, his gaze directed forward. The portrait is part of the National Library of Wales’ collection, where it is displayed as a representative example of early‑18th‑century clerical portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Reverend Richard Davies, is shown in his ecclesiastical attire: a black robe over a stark white clerical collar. His white, loosely curled hair frames a solemn expression, conveying the gravitas associated with his religious office. The direct eye contact suggests a sense of duty and personal integrity, typical of clerical self‑presentation in the period.

Technique & Style

Fellowes employs a limited palette, allowing the dark background to accentuate the luminous white of the collar and the subtle highlights on the subject’s hair. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, rendering the fabric and flesh with a modest degree of realism. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity rather than dramatic flair.

History & Provenance

Created in 1735, the portrait entered the holdings of the National Library of Wales, where it remains catalogued. Its provenance traces back to the Davies family, who likely commissioned the work to commemorate the reverend’s service. The painting has been preserved in the library’s climate‑controlled archives, ensuring its condition for scholarly study.

Context

Portraits of clergy in early Georgian Britain often emphasized modesty and moral authority, aligning with contemporary expectations of religious leaders. Fellowes, active in the same era, produced several such works, reflecting the patronage network of the Anglican establishment. This piece exemplifies the visual language used to convey clerical respectability during that time.