ArtistBonavia, George

Artist Years1818-1901

Artist NationalityMaltese, British

TitleRoses

Year1886

MediumPainting > Oil

Dimensions16 X 23 inches

Accession NumberRC383

NotesGeorge Bonavia was a Maltese artist predominantly known for his portraits and scenes. Born into an affluent family, Bonavia’s grandfather, Matteo, was the first Maltese officer of the Royal Engineers. As such, together with his siblings, he was afforded a distinguished education, probably in Valletta the capital. Both of his brothers, Giuseppe and Emanuel, forged impressive careers - the first became an architect, the second a surgeon. Details of George’s artistic training are scant, but he first appears in the English archives in 1851. He lived at 2 Percy Street, near Tottenham Court Road, together with several other artists. Percy Street was an illustrious address and home to a host of creative pioneers. During the same year, he debuted at the Royal Academy (RA) with ‘Portrait of a Young Lady’ and remained in London for the rest of his life. Exhibiting a further 26 works at the RA over 23 years. Aside from portraits, he also produced wistful scenes in the Victorian taste, ‘The Heart has Tendrils Like the Vine’ (1866), and ‘A Mother’s Prayer’ (1871). In 1886, five years before his death, several of his works were shown at the Royal Albert Hall. His drawing of Sir Edward Burnett Tylor is held at the National Portrait Gallery.
Exhibited: Royal Academy in London, British Institution, Royal Society of British Artists. Public Collections: National Portrait Gallery.
(source: Brave Fine Art)