The Sandpits, Hampstead Heath

The Sandpits, Hampstead Heath

Reference

2752

The Rev. Charles Gaunt (1790-1867)
The Sandpits, Hampstead Heath

Signed and dated:
CG July … and further indistinctly inscribed upper left: … pits Hampstead Common/… 1812. With an old inscription on a fragment of paper: 11 View on Hampstead Common - 2/July 27 1815
Oil on paper laid on board
23.2 by 31.7 cm., 9 by 12 ½ in.

Little is known about the artistic career of the Rev. Charles Gaunt, who was clearly a gifted painter in oils. The subject matter and composition, of the present oil sketch, and the precise annotations, suggests he was acquainted with John Constable or his work. He was born at Denham House, Buckinghamshire and graduated from Brasenose College, Oxford in 1812. He was vicar of Isfield, Sussex from 1835 and West Wittering the following year. He married Mary, daughter of the late Rev. Dr Dodson, rector of Hurstpierpoint in 1822.