Royal Scottish Academy (Inc. 1838), a bronze award medal by B. Wyon after J.N. Paton, Genius kneeling, supporting Pegasus and naked flame on platform, rev. laurel branch on tripod, edge named (John Linnell, Elected Honorary Academician mdccclxxi), 68mm (BHM 1884; E 1323; Brodie 585). Minor scratch marks on edge, otherwise extremely fine and attractively patinated, a most interesting association item; in original maroon fitted case (£90-120)

Sold with a note reading ‘Dearest Edith, We had a draw for a few odd things yesterday & I drew the Medal I now send for you. I hope it will interest you. At least it will be a small remembrance of yr Grandfather, Fondest love, Yr Affect. Mother, E.M. Linnell.’

John Linnell (1792-1882) was possibly the most successful artist in the early Victorian era in purely financial terms, eclipsing even Constable and Turner in terms of the amount paid for his works. He was born in London, the son of a carver and gilder and general art dealer, and studied under John Varley with William Henry Hunt and William Mulready. He entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1805 under the patronage of Benjamin West, and exhibited at the Academy from then until his death, although he had retired to Redhill, Surrey, in 1852. He was the last patron of William Blake (1759-1827), and his daughter, Hannah, married Samuel Palmer in 1837. His artistic archive was acquired by the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, in 2000. Illustration reduced