Sir Samuel Luke Fildes, RA (British, 1843-1927) A Spanish beauty 33 3/4 x 22 1/4in (85.5 x 56.5cm)

Sir Samuel Luke Fildes, RA (British, 1843-1927) A Spanish beauty signed 'Luke Fildes' (lower left) oil on canvas 33 3/4 x 22 1/4in (85.5 x 56.5cm) Footnotes: Provenance Frederick Thom Gallery, Toronto; Private collection, Ontario; Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, British & Continental Paintings, 18 September 2007, Lot 197. Sir Samuel Luke Fildes's (1844-1927) portrait of A Spanish Beauty is remarkable for the departure it represents from the subject matter of his work in his formative years. Fildes and his contemporaries at the South Kensington Art School were heavily influenced by the work of Frederick Walker who was then the leader of the British social realist art movement. Fildes joined the staff of the social reformist periodical The Graphic, where he produced some of the most poignant works of nineteenth century social criticism. Fildes's most striking illustration was a depiction of a line of homeless people applying to stay overnight in a workhouse. This and similar works brought him to the attention of Charles Dickens who commissioned him to illustrate his novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood. By 1870 Fildes had retired from work at The Graphic. However, Fildes continued to paint, excelling at portraiture. In 1905 he painted a State portrait of Queen Alexandra and later produced a state portrait of George the Fifth. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing