.png)
We are pleased to present to you an extremely exciting and fascinating recent consignment here at Aubreys Auctioneers. This masterpiece by British artist Charles Haselwood Shannon (1863–1937) comes from the collection of a London gentleman who purchased the painting from an antique shop in Surrey in 1982. Having been lovingly owned for over 40 years by the vendor, she is now seeking a new home and will be coming up for sale in January 2025.
Shannon was born in 1863 in Lincolnshire. He first studied printmaking at Lambeth School of Art (now the City and Guilds of London Art School), where he met Charles Ricketts, who became a pivotal figure throughout Shannon’s life and career. Together, they founded the Vale Press, where they printed copies of their aesthetic review The Dial, and were lifelong partners. Shannon achieved great success through mediums such as etching, lithography, and oil painting. His Giorgionesque oil portraits are characterised by a blend of symbolism and realism, with a distinct influence from the Pre-Raphaelite style, as well as the aesthetic principles of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Shannon was closely associated with the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of writers, intellectuals, and artists in early 20th-century London. The group included figures such as Virginia Woolf, whose novel Orlando follows the story of a man who mysteriously transforms into a woman in the 18th century and lives through various historical periods, experiencing both male and female identities. The Lady in a Black Hat has been aptly used as the front cover image for this novel, a copy of which will accompany the painting in our January sale. Additionally, the painting is referenced in Kenneth McConkey’s Edwardian Portraits: Images of an Age of Opulence (1987), which will also be included.
The painting was created in 1915 and was soon exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1916. The Lady in a Black Hat, Portrait of Miss Rachel Castellani depicts a woman with androgynous charm, dressed in highwayman’s garb — an attire that was briefly fashionable during the First World War. She sits, arms folded, gazing up at the viewer. Amidst the rich, warm orange and brown hues, vibrant highlights of colour draw the viewer’s attention through her blue gemstone ring and the crimson flowers that creep into the frame. This mysterious painting is one of Shannon’s most accomplished works, distinguishing itself from the rest of his paintings with the sitter’s direct gaze yet informal posture. The painting focuses on the psychological depth of the sitter, creating an intimacy between her and viewer, while also exuding an air of regality and reservedness through her body language and ambiguous expression. The painting reflects his interest in portraying his subjects with a blend of realism and a touch of idealisation.
Shannon was elected Associate of the Royal Academy in 1911 and became Vice-President of the International Society of Sculptors, Painters, and Gravers in 1918. In addition, Shannon was elected RA in 1920, and his works are featured in several major European collections, including London’s National Portrait Gallery.
The identity of the sitter in this painting has long been a subject of intrigue. However, after extensive research by our specialists here at Aubreys, we have uncovered a captivating new lead regarding the mysterious figure of Miss Rachel. Our specialists delved into the official archives of The Royal Academy and made a remarkable discovery. While the sitter's surname is widely recognised as ‘Castellan,’ the 1916 exhibition catalogue listed a slightly different version: ‘Castellani.’ This subtle variation, with the simple addition of a vowel, significantly altered the course of our investigation. Further research has revealed that Miss Rachel Castellani was, in fact, a model for the renowned British artist Augustus Edwin John OM RA—one of the leading figures of early 20th century art. John painted a striking portrait of Miss Castellani, titled Rachel, just two years after the completion of Shannon’s work. This revelation offers new insight into the sitter’s identity and the fascinating connections between artists of the period. Augustus John's portrait of Rachel resides in the Tate Gallery.
This exceptional artwork, with an estimate of £10,000–£15,000, will be offered for auction on the 30th January 2025. A rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece by Charles Hazelwood Shannon, it is poised to attract considerable attention from collectors and art enthusiasts alike. This sale represents a momentous occasion for those seeking to add a masterpiece of historical and artistic importance to their collection.
