Who painted Revd. Richard Davies, Canon St. Asaph?

Revd. Richard Davies, Canon St. Asaph was painted by James Fellowes in 1737.

Where can I see Revd. Richard Davies, Canon St. Asaph?

Revd. Richard Davies, Canon St. Asaph is held by National Library of Wales.

What movement is Revd. Richard Davies, Canon St. Asaph?

Revd. Richard Davies, Canon St. Asaph is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Revd. Richard Davies, Canon St. Asaph

James Fellowes , 1737

Revd. Richard Davies, Canon St. Asaph is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist James Fellowes. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.

About this work

Overview

James Fellowes painted an oil portrait in 1737 that portrays the Reverend Richard Davies, who served as Canon of St. Asaph. The work is part of the collection of the National Library of Wales, where it remains on view as a representative example of early‑18th‑century ecclesiastical portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is rendered with white, tightly curled hair and a solemn expression, dressed in a black clerical robe trimmed with a white collar. His direct gaze engages the viewer, suggesting both the authority of his office and the personal dignity associated with his role within the Welsh church hierarchy.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, Fellowes employs a dark, unadorned background that isolates the figure and intensifies the contrast of light on the face and garments. Fine brushwork captures the texture of the hair and the subtle modeling of the flesh, achieving a realistic, three‑dimensional presence typical of portraiture in the Georgian period.

Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has been retained within Welsh institutional collections, ultimately entering the holdings of the National Library of Wales. The library’s acquisition reflects its mission to preserve material culture linked to notable Welsh clergy and the broader artistic heritage of the region.