Portrait of Arthur Bevan by John Lewis, 1745 (oils)

Description

Arthur Bevan (c. 1687-1743) of Laugharne is probably best known as the husband of Bridget (Madam Bevan). In 1722, he won the first, contested election in Carmarthenshire and became Whig Member of Parliament for Carmarthen Borough. His marriage to Bridget Vaughan seems to account for Arthur Bevan's political and social success, as the Vaughans were one of the most powerful families in Carmarthenshire at the time. This painting has been attributed to John Vanderbank, who had painted another, smaller portrait of Arthur Bevan in 1725. However, because of similarities of size and framing, this may be a copy of that portrait, painted posthumously by John Lewis, to be hung with the other portraits of Bevan's wife, her sisters and niece. Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 124.5cm x 99cm.