A Modern Picture Gallery

William Frederick Witherington, RA (London 1785 - London 1865). Oil painting on canvas, A Modern Picture Gallery, by William Frederick Witherington, RA (London 1785 - London 1865), signed on the stretcher of picture at left W.F. Witherington.1824. The setting is imaginary and includes paintings from several different collections. Some half of the thirty-odd visible have so far been identified, including Fuseli's 'Saturn surprised by Ithuriel' (far left), Lawrence's 'Kemble as Hamlet' (over door), Reynolds's 'Infant Academy' and Wilson's 'View on the Arno' (both to the left of door). Apparently inspired by Panini's views of equally imaginary galleries, the composition carries the message that contemporary British painting could make every bit as fine a show in a picture gallery as Old Masters, and deserved support. Sir James Willoughby Gordon, 1st Bt and his family are also shown. Exhibited RA 1824, and British Institution, 1825. Wimpole, Cambridgeshire (Accredited Museum)