Pair Paintings, “Donkeys in the Dunes” J. N. Rhodes(1809-1842), Oil on Board Dated: 1836, England

John Nicholas Rhodes was born in London in 1809 and grew up in Yorkshire. In his short life he became an accomplished landscape, portrait, and animal painter. He not only painted in his native Yorkshire but also in Southern England. His works were exhibited in London where they were well received by the critics and the public alike. This pair of oil-on-board paintings is of a not-uncommon sight of the day — donkeys working in the tourist trade on the beaches and dunes of Southern England. The gold leaf and gilt frames appear to have been on the paintings for a very long time and are probably original. Signed and dated “J.N. Rhodes 1836” lower left. The label on the back of the board is for George Rowney & Company who were sellers of artist supplies in London and at the address listed from 1820 until 1859.