7th Oct, 2025 10:00
Modern and Contemporary Art
244
▲ Archibald George Barnes (British-Canadian, 1887-1972)
Portrait of Mary Aldworth Lailey, three-quarter-length seated, in a white dress holding a fan
signed 'BARNES' l.l., oil on canvas
127 x 102cm
Archibald George Barnes was a distinguished British-Canadian portrait painter, war artist and educator. Born in London, he trained at the St John’s Wood School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools, where he was influenced by leading figures such as John Singer Sargent and Charles Sims. His admiration for these artists shaped his own approach to portraiture – a tonal sensitivity, refined taste, and the depiction of serenity and elegance.
Barnes was elected to the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 1923, affirming his reputation as a leading figure in British portraiture. His works were widely admired in the post-war period for their calm, composed aesthetic, and are held in collections including the Royal Academy and the National Gallery of Canada.
This three-quarter-length portrait of Mary Aldworth Lailey exemplifies Barnes’s mastery of the genre. She wears an off-the-shoulder white gown with sheer sleeves and intricate lace and floral detailing. Her hands rest gently in her lap, clasping a red and gold fan that introduces a subtle contrast of colour. By placing the sitter against a dark, indistinct background, Barnes portrays her as a luminous presence.
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Sold for £9,000
Condition Report
Framed:145 x 120cm
Not lined. Fine craquelure in areas. Presents well overall when viewed on the wall. Seen under UV light and small areas of retouching visible, such as on cheeck, her right hand and the background. Please see additional condition images.
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Auction: Modern and Contemporary Art, 7th Oct, 2025
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Tuesday 9 - Friday 26 September at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11am - 5.30pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed
For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 3 October, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 5 October, 10am - 1pm
Monday 6 October, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size.
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